Concerns have been raised in parliament about forensic delays involving the death of a Powys man.

Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick raised concerns around delays to road traffic accident investigations caused by resourcing problems in forensic collision units.

This comes after delays in the forensic testing involving the death of Harry Web, 27, from Crickhowell was killed in a crash in London in 2023.

READ MORE: Powys music student killed in crash hours after moving to new home in London

However, due to a lack of resources at the Metropolitan Police’s forensic collision unit Harry’s parents Pat and Mike Webb, are unlikely to find out until March 2025 at the earliest whether the defendant in the case is going to face additional charges in relation to their son’s death – a wait of 18 months.

“It is simply not right that victims and family members of victims are being put through excessively long waits for investigations to go to trial, which only extends their agony,” said Mr Chadwick.

“The Government must ensure that forensic collision units across the UK are being properly resourced so that no family should be expected to wait the amount of time Pat and Mike are being asked to for a trial to proceed.

OTHER NEWS:

“I am grateful for the Minister’s response today and hope to arrange a meeting with her in future to discuss the problem in more detail in addition to the specific case impacting my constituents.”

After placing the question to the Minister of State for Policing Dame Diana Johnson, she agreed to take the issue of resourcing problems in forensic collision units to her officials.

During the question, David Chadwick highlighted his own experience of being hit by a car in the Netherlands and stated that any delay to justice only extends the agony for the families of victims.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: www.countytimes.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get

  • Unlimited access to the County Times website
  • Advert-light access
  • Reader rewards
  • Full access to our app

Harry had been due to start the second year of a masters at London College of Contemporary Music, and had only been dropped off at a new house share in Hackney hours before the tragedy.

In tributes he was described as “a kind, warm, generous and loving person, and had friends all over the world, from all nationalities and faiths”.

Friends added that "Harry was bright, engaging and loved the challenge of learning new things and travelling to new places.”