Driver admits causing death of Llanpumsaint dog walker Aaron Jones

Aaron, 38, died after being hit while out walking in his home village on the evening of 23 December. The driver, Daniel Wyke, was arrested the following day as police launched a major investigation.

Wyke, 28, from Llanybri, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He denied a second charge of dangerous driving relating to an incident on Water Street in Carmarthen on the same night. Prosecutors told the court they will not pursue a separate trial on that count, saying the condition of the vehicle after the fatal collision — including extensive windscreen damage — will instead be treated as an aggravating feature when Wyke is sentenced.

Judge Paul Thomas KC set a provisional sentencing date for 30 March and ordered a pre‑sentence report. A Newton hearing will take place beforehand to determine the factual basis of Wyke’s guilty plea.

Wyke was granted bail and has been disqualified from driving.

Aaron’s death prompted a huge outpouring of grief in the Llanpumsaint community, with friends and neighbours describing him as a kind, gentle man who was well‑known locally.

Wyke was charged almost a year after the fatal hit‑and‑run as detectives continued to piece together what happened that night.

Man charged a year on from fatal Llanpumsaint hit‑and‑run

Aaron, 38, was struck near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel on 23 December 2024. His body was later found in the churchyard and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Flowers were laid nearby as the tight‑knit community mourned the loss of a man described as “tragic” by local councillor Bryan Davies.

Arrest and charges

Daniel Wyke, 28, from Carmarthen, was arrested the day after the crash. A year on from the tragedy, he has now been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving. He is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday 15 January 2026.

Police confirmed the vehicle believed to be involved was located after a manhunt.

Inquest details

An inquest opening in January heard how Aaron’s dog was found by a passer‑by, who contacted his wife and sparked a missing person’s search. Coroner’s officer Malcolm Thompson told the hearing Aaron was hit by a car at around 7.20pm, and that the vehicle failed to stop.

Assistant coroner Gareth Lewis adjourned the inquest to a later date while police enquiries continued.

Community impact

The incident shocked the rural village. Llanpumsaint Park cancelled its Santa Parade on Christmas Eve, extending “deepest sympathies” to Aaron’s family. Residents spoke of their grief, with tributes left at the chapel where Aaron’s body was found.

Police statement

Sergeant Sara John of Dyfed‑Powys Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

“Our thoughts remain with Aaron’s family, who continue to be at the heart of this investigation.

We recognise that this has been a lengthy investigation, and I am grateful to Aaron’s family, and the wider community, for their patience and support while our enquiries have been carried out.

We will continue to support Aaron’s family as the case progresses, and we seek to provide justice for Aaron and his loved ones.”

Aaron’s family have asked for privacy at this time.

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