M4 crash: Van driver admits killing two children by dangerous driving
The family, from Tredegar in the South Wales Valleys, had been returning home from a birthday party when their car was hit by a van.
Monday 21 February 2022 13:39, UK
A van driver has pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of two children by dangerous driving, and seriously injuring their mother, in a crash on the M4.
Martin Newman, 41, from Croeserw, near Port Talbot, entered his plea at Cardiff Crown Court.
Several of the children's relatives were in the public gallery, and one yelled "bd" as Newman was led from the dock.
The crash happened near Newport in South Wales on 5 February.
Returning home from a birthday party
The car was travelling on the motorway's westbound carriageway when it was hit by a van and both children were rushed to intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales.
Four-year-old Gracie-Ann Wheaton suffered a cardiac arrest due to the severity of her injuries and died the next day at around 5am.
Her three-year-old brother Jayden-Lee Lucas died the following at 4.30pm.
The family, from Tredegar in the South Wales Valleys, had been returning home from a birthday party.
Jayden-Lee's cousin, Jamie Lucas, 19, said previously: "He was wonderful, creative and a kind soul. Turned the grey skies blue."
In an earlier tribute to Gracie-Ann, he said: "She was so young. She had a bright future ahead of her. She was such a wonderful child."
He added: "She was very smart, she was very creative. She had a really great imagination as well. She was just fantastic to be around."
Sentencing listed for April
Newman, of Croeserw, spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his guilty pleas during a brief hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday.
No details of the case were given and Judge Daniel Williams listed the case for sentence on 8 April.
A GoFundMe, set up in the wake of the crash to help pay for their funerals, has raised almost £15,000.