A mid Wales man who crashed his BMW near Rhayader, which led to the death of his girlfriend, has been jailed.

David William Owen, aged 35 from Llanidloes, has been sentenced to serve 14 months in prison, after pleading guilty to causing the death of Charlotte Beynon by careless driving, at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on 7 October.

The collision occurred on the A470 between Rhayader and Doldowlod on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.

Charlotte Beynon, 32, from Burry Port, was a passenger in the white BMW M235 which collided with a bridge at around 1.30pm.

Charlotte from Burry Port was airlifted to hospital, where she died from her injuries days later.

The court was told that Owen had shown ‘genuine remorse’ and would live with the guilt of his partner, who he had been with for 10 months and considered the love of his life.

On 7 October, Owen received 14 months imprisonment – 12 months imprisonment for causing death by careless driving and an additional 2 months for an arrest in January 2026 for drug driving.

Reacting to the sentencing, PC Lucy Brookes, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Today’s sentencing marks the end of a lengthy investigation into a collision which tragically claimed the life of a young woman.

“Charlotte touched the lives of so many people and will forever be missed. Charlotte’s family have showed huge strength throughout this investigation - a fitting tribute to a life taken far too soon.

“This incident is a reminder that the choices we make behind the wheel can have life-changing and devastating consequences.”

Following Charlotte’s death, her family released an emotional tribute, describing Charlotte as 'one of a kind' who brightened up every room.

Her family said: “Charlotte was absolutely one of a kind, funny without realising it, totally beautiful both inside and out with a love of life, animals, friends, family, and work colleagues.

“Charlotte was always on the go, and touched the lives of many. Tributes coming in have all described how she would breeze into a room with her big smile and make everything brighter and everyone feel better about themselves. She was our Charlotte, but we were happy to share her as we thought we had many more beautiful years together.

“Charlotte worked across the country as a busy project manager and had become a valued member of the team who she spoke about with fondness.

“Charlotte was never still for long when she was not working, she was at her happiest when walking her dog in the countryside. Charlotte also relished fun times out with friends, time with family, laughs with her niece and working on her house.

“Charlotte was unique in so many ways and is utterly irreplaceable to her mother, late father, brother, niece, and other members of the family and valued friends.

“We will miss Charlotte every second of our lives but are comforted by the knowledge that, after fighting a tough battle, she is now at peace with her late father who she cherished and missed every day.”