Mark Ball (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 4 minutes ago
A driver who struck and killed a pensioner in a hit-and-run has been jailed after leaving him to die in the road – then falsely blaming his own father for being behind the wheel.
Mark Ball, 46, ploughed into 84-year-old Charles Sully as he crossed Old Cardiff Road off Cardiff Road in Newport with the help of two walking sticks just before 5pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024.
Mr Sully, described as frail, was carried for around five metres on the bonnet of the car before being left with devastating injuries on the ground as Ball reversed at speed and fled the scene. He never regained consciousness and died six days later in hospital.
The collision
Members of the public rushed to help Mr Sully, including a doctor from the nearby Royal Gwent Hospital who was on his way home, before emergency services arrived.
Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told Cardiff Crown Court that Ball came close to crashing again around a mile further on from where he struck Mr Sully as he made his escape.
Lies and arrest
Ball denied being the driver and tried to pin the blame on his father, claiming he had the car keys at the time. His dad gave a statement to police confirming his son’s claim was a lie.
Ball maintained this false account even after his father passed away last year, before eventually admitting he was responsible.
When officers came to arrest him, it was suspected he had fled his house through the back door. He was found by a police dog handler hiding behind the gate of a nearby garden.
Sentencing
Ball, of Thirlmere Place, Newport, was a learner and uninsured driver with 39 previous convictions for 90 offences, including taking a vehicle without consent and drink driving.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, dangerous driving, causing death by driving an unlicensed vehicle, and causing death by driving while uninsured.
His barrister Andrew Kendall told the court his client requires dialysis three times a week due to chronic kidney disease and has suffered with drug abuse problems.
Sentencing him, Judge Paul Hobson said: “His death was a source of acute pain to his family and loved ones.
“Mr Sully’s loss is keenly felt, in particular by his brother Jim.
“His time should not have ended in the way it did.
“I have watched the footage which is extremely distressing to watch.”
He added: “You were simply not paying attention to the road ahead.
“You did not a single thing to help him.
“You reversed at speed before you turned round and drove off.
“That was a heartless and self-centred thing to do.”
Ball was jailed for 30 months and disqualified from driving for three years following his release from custody. He must also pass an extended driving test and pay a victim surcharge.
Tribute 🕊️
At the time of Mr Sully’s death, his family paid the following tribute: “Charles was the most kind and generous gentleman and a special brother, brother-in-law and uncle to all his family.
“He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.”
