An inquest into the death of a mid Wales trucking company owner has found that it is unclear why he lost control of his car and crashed into another vehicle.

Dudley Maxfield, 36, died from multiple traumatic injuries after his silver Volkswagen Golf collided with an oncoming black Nissan Navara pick-up truck on the A458 between Llanfair Caereinion and Llanerfyl on December 21, 2021.


What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner’s court hearings and report on proceedings.

Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why.


A five-day inquest at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court heard Mr Maxfield, who worked as an HGV owner and driver, was driving along the A458 near Neuadd Caravan Park and then “for reasons that are unclear” lost control of the VW Golf and exposed it to oncoming traffic.

The Aberllefenni man suffered multiple traumatic injuries which were not survivable, the inquest was told, and he died at the scene of the crash.

Assistant coroner Sarah-Jane Richards concluded Mr Maxfield died as a result of a road traffic collision.

Helplines

If you would like any help with bereavement or loss, here are some helpline numbers:

You can call RoadPeace on 0800 160 1069

Cruse Bereavement Care on 0808 808 1677 

Brake - The Road Safety Charity on 0808 0000 401