Husband whose 'life was nothing' without wife dies months after she was killed in crash

Daily Record

09-05-2025

Pauline Williams, 79, died after suffering a catastrophic head injury in a crash, with her husband Brian pasing just three months afrer following 60 years of marriage.
A family has been left devastated after a much-loved grandmother was killed in a car crash —followed just three months later by the death of her grieving husband.
Pauline Williams, 79, died after suffering a catastrophic head injury in a crash near New Inn, Pontypool, on August 7, 2023. The tragic incident occurred when a Peugeot 3008, driven by 79-year-old Raymond Charles, collided with the rear of the Ford Fusion she was travelling in with her husband, Brian Williams, behind the wheel, reports WalesOnline.
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The couple, described by their family as 'inseparable' and 'loving,' had been married since 1964 and were well known in their local community.
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A court heard that Mr Williams had slowed his vehicle while approaching a roundabout on the A4042 when Charles, failing to brake in time, ploughed into the back of their car. Pauline, who was in the front passenger seat, was rushed to Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran but was sadly pronounced dead at 3.30pm.
Brian Williams suffered serious injuries including broken ribs, burns, and temporary mobility loss. He spent five weeks in hospital and never fully recovered. He passed away from natural causes three months later while undergoing surgery for kidney cancer.
At a hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday, it was revealed that Charles, of The Woodlands, Talywain, told police he could not recall the crash and that the vehicle appeared in front of him suddenly. He later pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.
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In a moving victim impact statement read out in court, the couple's son Daniel Williams paid tribute to his mother, who had worked as a lab chemist before raising three children and becoming a devoted grandmother.
'She was always there for us,' he said. 'Mum had a witty sense of humour, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially cooking and making a mess with them.'
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He added: 'The way she died left us completely numb. I still have flashbacks of her receiving CPR at the side of the road. We never imagined she would go like that.'
Daughter Alison Rogers described the pair as 'a proper loving couple' and said her father was never the same after Pauline's death.
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'Dad was a jolly, lively man, but he changed completely. Life was nothing without Mum. He tried to carry on but he wasn't strong enough. It's left a massive hole in all our lives.'
Despite their grief, the family expressed compassion for Charles, saying they held no grudge.
'We're sure not just him but his family too have suffered. We hope he can move on with his life and that no custody sentence is imposed. We've all suffered enough.'
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Defending, barrister Nigel Fryer said Charles was deeply remorseful and lives with the consequences every day. He described him as a 'decent man' who has supported his community and cares for his wife of 54 years despite his own health issues.
Judge Carl Harrison described the incident as a tragedy. 'Mrs Williams was a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother who sadly lost her life. Mr Williams suffered serious injuries and had to endure both physical trauma and the loss of his wife in the final months of his life.'
Sentencing will be considered at a later date.