A DRUG dealer has been jailed for 10 years after causing the death of a Newbridge man by dangerous driving.

Andrew Shuttleworth, aged 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving whilst uninsured, being concerned with the supply of diamorphine, possessing criminal property and possession with intent to supply diamorphine.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The court heard, Shuttleworth was driving his Volkswagen Passat at high speed around Trecelyn roundabout in Newbridge when he said he ‘lost control’ and verged into the path of an oncoming Citroen C3 killing Paul Daley, a 58-year-old man, of Pantside.

The defendant was driving around the roundabout at 40mph above the 30mph speed limit on the A467 on January 27, around 10pm.

Mr Daley was the front passenger of the Citroen and died at the scene. His sister Rosina Orford who was driving the car sustained serious injuries including multiple rib fractures, a fractured sternum, punctured lung, lacerations to chest and multiple bruising all over her body.

She was in intensive care for a significant period of time and couldn't attend her own brother's funeral. Her son Adam who was in the rear of the car sustained bruising to his ribs and lungs along with scaring to his lungs.

The defendant told an officer while under caution at the scene said he ‘didn't realise how sharp the bend was.’

Kay Hill, Mr Daley's partner of 15 years in a statement, described him as a 'kind man with a good temperament.'

A police report found both front tyres of the defendant's car had tread depth which was insufficient to pass an MOT and there was evidence Mr Daley wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Ms Orford said the loss of her brother has been ‘unbearable.’

She said: "I had asthma before but because of these injuries I can't even tell you how much worse my breathing is now. I get out of breath just sitting in a chair.

"The loss of my brother has devastated me. He was just sat talking to me. He was in a sentence when this happened.

"I still find it hard to believe this happened even though I know it has."

The court heard Shuttleworth was stopped by police on June 12 with £1,800 of bank notes in his car along with diamorphine valued between £180 to £300. He was bailed and six days later was seen by officers in Beechwood, Newport, throwing a package containing 6.35 grams of diamorphine out of a car window.

On another day he was also found with 1.75 grams of diamorphine and had 2.7grams of heroin in a kinder egg in his trousers.

Shuttleworth was previously convicted in 2011 and given a 32 month prison sentence for intent to supply crack cocaine.

David Webster, defending, said Shuttleworth started street dealing after he fell in with the wrong crowd. He said the defendant pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to causing Mr Daley’s death and knew he was going to face a very long jail term which he 'deserves' and 'accepts.'

Judge David Wynn Morgan sentenced Shuttleworth to a total of 10 years in jail; 36 months for causing the death of Mr Daley; 18 months for causing the injuries of Ms Orford and five years and 219 days for the drug offences.

Judge Morgan said Shuttleworth responded in a ‘shocking’ way to officers in his police interview.

He told the court Shuttleworth rolled his eyes, told the offices they were boring him, smirked and told them to get on with it.

Mr Daley's family in a tribute said: "Paul was a gentle giant, a brilliant partner, a good brother and uncle. He will be missed by all.

"To know him was a privilege. A joker who made people laugh. A better human being you would not find.

"In the words of his partner Kay, our lives will never be the same. God has gained a six foot two inch angel."

Inspector Gavin Clifton, of Gwent Police, said: "This is a great result for the family involved in such a tragic case. I welcome today's sentence and hope it goes some way towards helping the family come to terms with their loss.

"The message has been clear today, that driving in a dangerous manner which results in the loss of a life is not acceptable and the punishment will and in this case, reflect their actions.

"Mr Shuttleworth will have 10 years in prison to reflect on those actions, where he took a life by driving a car in a dangerous manner."