Powys nurse spared prison for “catastrophic” BMW crash

Hayley Green was travelling to work in Llandrindod Wells on the morning of December 14, 2020, when she collided with Kevin Kmiec on the A483 in Howey.

Mr Kmiec was left trapped in his Fiat Diablo van following the head-on collision with Green’s BMW and suffered multiple injuries – including a shattered and dislocated hip, fractures to his pelvis, nerve damage and bruising to his chest and upper body. He required two major operations and struggles with ongoing problems.

Green, 30, originally denied a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but changed her plea in April, before her trial.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett told Green’s sentencing hearing on June 2 that two witnesses described her driving as “erratic” before the collision.

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“As Mr Kmiec was approaching a bend he was faced with a vehicle driven by the defendant,” said Mr Bennett.

“The defendant lost control and was traversing sideways across both lanes. He decreased speed to lessen the impact and recalls telling himself ‘Kevin, you’re dead’.”

The incident happened at around 11.45am as Green, from Talgarth, was driving to work at Landrindod Wells War Memorial Hospital.

“Both witnesses reported she was unsafe to drive,” said Mr Bennett.

“The complainant recalls a painful collision and being trapped in the car for some time. One lady who helped was a colleague of the defendant’s at the hospital.

“The defendant was overheard by one witness saying ‘it’s not my fault, I have to get to work’.

“She told others she had a blackout and couldn’t remember anything and might have had some sort of panic attack. She had been suffering from panic attacks for some time and had been prescribed medication for anxiety and depression.

“She may have been tiring and literally dropping off to sleep before the collision.”

Mr Bennett read from victim impact statements provided by Mr Kmiec, saying he had undergone a hip replacement and become totally dependent on his wife.

“I had to use crutches and a Zimmer frame and am unable to walk any great distance at all,” said Mr Bennett on behalf of Mr Kmiec.

“I am struggling still with pain and the nerve damage affects my ability to walk. I was very active, coaching and refereeing at my local rugby club, ut since the incident I have lost all my independence and suffered with depression.

“I am in constant pain and lost my income as I have been unable to work."

He added: “I used to be a very active grandparent so it’s had a significant impact on my family life. They now take care of me whereas I used to take care of them.”

Hashim Salman, representing Green, said his client was of previous clean and exemplary character.

“She feels sincere remorse and the incident haunts her every day,” said Mr Salman.

“She says ‘I feel sick that Mr Kmiec is unable to do the things he had been able to previously. I am a nurse and knowing I have hurt someone hurts me as I am normally the person who helps people’.

“She is academically a high achiever and has enjoyed a successful and promising career in an extremely commendable and challenging environment. To this day she continues with that career as a sister junior nurse.”

Mr Salman said Green had been diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD, linked both to the incident and to issues around a friend's death in a road crash.

“The defendant was working as a nurse during the height of the pandemic, under immeasurable pressure, strain and exhaustion, while dealing with a violent and aggressive man who perpetrated terrible domestic violence against her and left her to care for their only daughter,” said Mr Salman.

“The only good news is she has been able to continue with her career and is free of her ex-partner. The impact of immediate custody would be greatest felt by another wholly innocent party, a five-year-old girl who needs her mother.”

Judge Wayne Beard described Green’s driving as “inexplicable” and said the impact on the victim had been “catastrophic”.

He sentenced Green to serve two years in prison, suspended for 18 months. She will be disqualified from driving for two years and must then sit an extended re-test, and must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £156 surcharge.