THE family of a young woman killed in a street race has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to consider changing the law around defendants deemed unfit to stand trial.

Sophie Brimble, 20, died in the early hours of July 26, 2017, when the Volkswagen Polo car she was a front seat passenger in crashed into a lamppost on King’s Street, Brynmawr.

Her boyfriend, Jay Bayliss, was driving at up to 80mph on a 30mph road as he raced another car through the residential streets, but despite being deemed ‘unfit to plead’ owing to injuries sustained in the crash has since successfully reapplied for his driving licence.

By contrast, the other car driver Neil Brooks was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving in 2019 and jailed for eight years and banned from driving for nine.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has now said it agrees the law needs updating and is considering reforms.

It follows a petition launched by Sophie’s family after Bayliss, now 32, was found responsible for her death at a trial of facts at Newport Crown Court earlier this year, where he was given an absolute discharge due to being judged ‘unfit to plead’.

The petition launched after the court hearing in April attracted more than 10,000 signatures and calls for courts to have greater powers in such cases.

It also calls for measures such as driving bans to be available where someone is found responsible for causing serious harm or death.

Sophie’s sister, Aimee Coombes, said the family, from Crickhowell, was relieved by the Government’s response but was now waiting to see what action would follow.

Police reopened the investigation in 2024 after discovering Bayliss had successfully reapplied for his licence.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but was again ruled unfit for criminal proceedings following medical evidence.

A trial of facts saw the prosecution present its case without Bayliss having to participate in the proceedings.

The jury found him responsible for causing Sophie’s death by dangerous driving, but the court’s limited powers meant he received an absolute discharge.

Aimee said the family wanted changes to ensure others did not face the same situation.

“I just want them to sort of stand in our shoes for two minutes, to see what we’ve been through, what other families have been through,” she told BBC Wales News.

“When we walked out of court, it just felt like Sophie’s life didn’t matter... she should have had the justice she deserved.”

The Law Commission has previously said the rules surrounding unfitness to plead are outdated, with the current definition dating back to 1836.

It published recommendations for reform a decade ago, including changes to the test for unfitness, the hearing process and the powers available to courts when allegations are proved.

The MoJ says it is now considering a wider range of court disposals and more effective powers to protect victims and the public.

It said this could include orders to strengthen supervision and allow more tailored arrangements to enhance public protection.

The department also said it would consider ways to make procedures clearer and more supportive for victims and their families.