A MOTORIST from Neston has been jailed after he reached speeds of up to 109mph and killed a 20-year-old man during a crash in Gwynedd in 2022.

Roger Peter Brenninkmeyer, 60, of Hinderton Road, Neston appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court today (Wednesday, November 27) after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in September.

Brenninkmeyer was charged with causing the death of Droy Darroch-York, from Morfa Nefyn, by driving dangerously in Pwllheli on June 4, 2022.

The court heard how just after 12.30pm Brenninkmeyer was driving his BMW on an unclassified road with blind bends at Pentreuchaf near Pwllheli.

David Mainstone, prosecuting, said Brenninkmeyer was described by witnesses as overtaking multiple vehicles “at speed” on narrow roads with one describing seeing him “waving his arms” and being “agitated”.

Brenninkmeyer lost control of his BMW when he reached speeds of up to 109mph and left the road and collided with a Ford Fusion being driven by 20-year-old Droy Darroch-York.

Mr Mainstone said a witness was driving along the unclassified road leading from Pentre Uchaf, at the crossroads junction with the B4354 while Mr Darroch-York was driving behind him.

He said: “The witnesses came to the crossroads and indicated right turning into the junction when Brenninkmeyer came speeding on the wrong side of the road and hit Mr Darrock-York’s vehicle and became airborne.”

Mr Mainstone described how the witnesses was “shocked and frightened” as he saw the car “fly” and “rotate” before crashing into a stone wall before landing on to its roof.

The BMW continued to roll and hit a stone wall 99-metres from where it had struck on a grass embankment.

Following the collision, Brenninkmeyer, who sustained serious injuries, was taken to hospital in Stoke where he remained for 10 weeks.

Droy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police data airbag control module findings taken from Brenninkmeyer's air bag showed the accelerator remained “fully depressed” and that speeds of up to 109mph were reached.

Mr Mainstone said the finding showed Brenninkmeyer “didn’t brake at all” despite the road he was driving on being a 20mph school zone.

Two days before the incident, messages recovered from Brenninkmeyer’s phone read, “I have to take my own life as an act of cowardness”. His internet search history also showed he had been researching suicide prevention.

The court also heard that after the crash a witnesses went over to Brenninkmeyer’s car which was upside down with Brenninkmeyer restrained by his seatbelt. Mr Mainstone added that Brenninkmeyer told the witness, “I just want to die”.

When interviewed Brenninkmeyer answered no comment to the majority of questions but said he had “no recollection” and “accepted” his driving was dangerous and “expressed remorse”.

A victim impact statement read out to the court by Mr Darroch-York guardian Nicola Roberts, said: “I am writing this statement on behalf of our family after the death of our loved one who was only 20 when he was cruelly taken from our lives.

“Both Droy and his brother lived together and were loved by all of our family.

“Droy was a gentle soul who loved to care for animals. He knew the difference between right and wrong. He had finished his bricklaying course and loved being outdoors camping on the beach, fishing and walking the dog in the hills. He loved animals.

“He had passed his test and was proud of his Ford Fusion. He drove to college and treated his car like a plane adjusting his mirrors and checking that his playlist was ready so he wouldn’t have to take his hands off the wheel while driving. He drove slowly and carefully.

“A week before the 4th June I spoke to Droy about his life as he built a BBQ in the back garden for a jubilee party we were having as he’d just finished his course.

“On the day of the party I tried ringing him to check everything was going ok but got no reply. I knew he had gone to pick up his girlfriend so wouldn’t answer his phone while driving.

“At 3.30pm we got a knock at our door that I will never forget. Two police officers came in and passed a message that will stay in my mind and heart forever that Droy had been in a car crash and died.

“We tried to process what police had told us and wished it wasn’t true. The next week was a complete daze. I was lost, destroyed and felt numb.

“I don’t think I will ever recover from this. The last two years have been hell and as a family it has been hell.

“Droy was a ray of sunshine to my day. I raised Droy from the age of four and I was enjoying watching him fly through life. I can look back with pride and love.

“The world is a darker place without Droy.”

Neil Saunders, defending, said: “It was never his intention to hurt anyone else that day. He does not believe he had ever driven that road before.

“At the speed he was travelling he could not have stopped at the stop sign.

“He had recently moved into the area to look after his elderly mother. He was not trying to kill himself on that particular journey.

“He had attended Bangor Hospital and his local GP on three occasions due to suffering from his mental health.

“Earlier that day he had been up to the cliffs but decided not to take his own life after he saw people nearby. He didn’t feel right jumping in front of them.

“He was clearly driving fast hence his guilty plea he was not in his right state of mind. He never intended to hurt anyone. His driving was out of character.

“He has been mortified that Droy lost his life at a very young age and he has wanted to write to the family but the family declined to accept his communications and we understand why.

“The letter stresses how profoundly sorry he is and how he understands it will never bring back this young man.

“He has spent every day thinking of the traumatic incident and coming to terms with his actions. He is distraught over their loss and has been unable to work.

“His mother and nephew both passed away last year but he understands this is minute grief in comparison.

“He apologies as profusely as he can to the family.”

Mr Saunders also added that Brenninkmeyer had been suffering from a mental health condition and had thoughts of self-harmw. He was also wrongly convinced that he was in debt that would bankrupt him.

He described Brenninkmeyer as having “muddled thoughts” and “delusional views”.

He added: “He is trying to cope with his regret and guilt and his feelings of shame and anxiety.”

Character statements read out to the court from Brenninkmeyer friends and family described him as “a decent selfless man” who has intentions to make a “meaningful difference” and that this event had “shook him to his core”.

Judge Timothy Petts passed a sentence of six years and eight months in prison and issued Brenninkmeyer with an 11-year driving disqualification with an extended re-test.

Investigating officer, PC Gareth Rogers of North Wales Police’ Serious Collisions Investigation Unit said: “This was a tragic incident which needlessly resulted in the death of a young man at just 20-years-old.

“It stands as a stark reminder of the consequences which driving dangerously and at excessive speed can have.

“Droy Darroch-York lost has lost his life in this collision and Roger Brenninkmeyer will now serve a custodial sentence for his involvement.

“This was a completely avoidable incident, and it is only through sheer luck that more weren’t killed that day due to Brenninkmeyer’s completely reckless actions.

“I understand that, whilst he is now behind bars for this offence, nothing is going to bring Droy back, and our thoughts continue to remain with his family and friends.

“Drivers must obey speed limits and respect the safety of other road users. Drivers are responsible for their actions and the temptation to take risks can have long lasting consequences, please take a second to consider: is it worth it?”