Racing brothers jailed for causing death of much-loved dad

Two brothers have been sentenced to prison for causing the death of a much-loved dad in a head-on road traffic collision in November 2024 near Welshpool.

Rhys Jenkins was tragically killed, and his son seriously injured, when their Toyota was hit by Abubakr Yusaf’s (pictured right) BMW, who had just taken a bend on the wrong side of the road moments before the crash.

Today at Mold Crown Court, Abubakr Yusaf, 31, of Esmond Road, Manchester has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death whilst uninsured.

His brother Umar Yusaf (pictured below), 35, of Esmond Road, Manchester was also sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving.

The pair were convicted following an eight-day trial where the court heard of the brothers’ ‘reckless’ road race when they travelled home from Aberystwyth to Manchester in separate cars.

Witnesses said they had seen the brothers complete highly dangerous overtakes along the stretch of road, driving at excessive speed, tailgating, and flashing their headlights at other cars in an attempt to get past.

Shortly after both brothers took a bend in the road on the wrong side of the carriageway, Abubakr’s BMW collided head-on with a Toyota being driven by Rhys Jenkins on the Belan straight.

As other drivers stopped to help the dad and his son, both the brothers fled the scene in Umar’s Audi S4.

Emergency services attended, and Mr Jenkins was tragically confirmed to have died from catastrophic injuries. His nine-year-old son, who had been a passenger in the car, was air lifted to hospital, where he spent 10 days being treated for his injuries.

Within 40 minutes of the collision, 34-year-old Umar Yusaf drove back to the scene and told a PCSO the person responsible was with him.

The brothers were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and an investigation was launched by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Statements from a number of witnesses described the brothers’ manner of driving as ‘reckless’, ‘erratic’, and consistent with racing.

It was determined that while Umar’s car was not directly involved in the collision, the ‘competitive’ nature of his driving with his brother contributed significantly to the fatal incident.

The brothers were charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.

Sergeant Sara John from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “The sentences passed today cannot undo the tragic loss suffered by Rhys’s family, who have shown remarkable strength throughout this investigation and court process. 

“I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some closure as they begin to move forward with their lives, which have been changed forever.

“The actions of Abubakr and Umar Yusaf on that day were catastrophic. Their choice to drive in the manner they did shows their utter disregard towards other road users.

“The impact of their actions can never be underestimated.

“Today’s sentencing marks the end of a complex investigation, and I’d like to thank all the witnesses who supported the case and the diligent investigation team who worked to bring Abubakr and Umar Yusaf before the courts.

“My final thoughts and sincere thanks remain with Rhys’s family and loved ones who have shown extraordinary bravery throughout this tragic time.”