A MOTORIST was told to prepare for jail after pleading guilty to causing the death of a retired English professor by dangerous driving.

Richard Bentham, 22, of The Vineyard, Monmouth, appeared at Newport Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing the death of Dr Graham Howells by dangerous driving.

The charge relates to a collision on the A449 near Usk on October 15 last year.

Representing Bentham, Patrick Harrington QC asked for sentencing to be adjourned in order for reports to be prepared.

Bentham was also disqualified from driving at the hearing until further notice.

Judge Rhys Rowlands released Bentham on bail until November 13 when the sentencing is due to take place.

Judge Rowlands said: "This is a very serious offence. You must be prepared for a custodial sentence."

Following 67-year-old Dr Howell’s death, his family described him as a "loving father" to his three children Sara and twins Graham and Martha as well as a "devoted and proud grandfather"

to four grandchildren.

Dr Howells had recently retired from a position as professor of English at the University of Brasilia.

He had started his teaching career at Atlantic College, St Donat's, and went onto lecture at Cardiff and Swansea universities.

Although originally from Monmouth, his family said Dr Howells travelled extensively, had worked in a number of countries and was looking forward to dividing his time between Monmouth and Brazil.