AN ELDERLY man whose careless driving caused his wife's death and inflicted serious injuries on two other women, has escaped an immediate prison term.

But Charles Lemin "is in some ways already there (in prison)" his defence counsel told Cardiff Crown Court. The sentencing judge said she was sure the "burden of remorse and guilt" will never leave him.

Seventy-eight year-old Lemin, of Francis Street, Fleur-de-lis, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving, arising from a crash on the A4048 near Markham, on November 26 last year.

Prosecuting counsel John Warren told the court that Jennifer Gurmin, from Markham, was driving her Toyota Yaris towards Hollybush around 10.30am, with friend Sharon Howells.

Approaching a right hand bend, she saw an approaching car begin to drift onto her side of the road.

"She slammed on her brakes but there was nowhere for her to go," said Mr Warren.

The other car, a Volvo S40, was driven by Lemin. His wife Mavis, aged 70, was his front seat passenger, as they returned from a shopping trip in Ebbw Vale.

He later told police his wife had been unwell and he was driving "considerately."

But he said seconds before the crash, he slowed down and braked "but the car must have gone from me, or whatever - that is the last thing I knew."

The cars collided head-on. Mrs Lemin was resuscitated at the scene but died later that morning of multiple crush injuries.

Mrs Gurmin and Mrs Howells had to be cut free. Mrs Gurmin suffered a broken leg and ankle, other leg injuries, 11 rib fractures, and liver, kidney and bowel damage. She has undergone more operations since her initial treatment, lost her independence and requires support to walk even a short distance.

Mrs Howells suffered a neck fracture, five broken ribs and multiple cuts and bruises. She now suffers panic attacks and lost confidence, and has had to give up taekwondo and running.

Defence counsel Lucy Crowther said Lemin demonstrated "heartfelt remorse" at causing the death of his "beloved wife" and such "devastating, life affecting injuries."

"He has said he deserves to go to prison. In some ways he is already there," said Miss Crowther.

"He cannot see the point of life anymore. He talks to his wife still, because he finds comfort in that, and realises he has affected others."

The Recorder of Cardiff Judge Eleri Rees, sentencing Lemin to 32 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, said the crash is "almost inexplicable."

"No sentence I pass can restore health to Mrs Gurmin or reflect the suffering of Sharon Howells," she said.

"Indeed, that you are responsible for the injuries and the death of your wife will leave a burden of remorse and guilt I am sure will never leave you."

Lemin, who the court was told had no intention of driving again, was disqualified from driving for five years, and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.