DEADLY SMASH
Reckless driver, 32, filmed himself using balloons at 90mph moments before horror Cardiff crash that killed three
A RECKLESS driver was today jailed after filming himself using balloons while speeding at 90mph moments before a horror crash killed three people.
Survivor Shane Loughlin, 32, was sentenced to one year and five months over the fatal crash in St Mellons, Cardiff, in March.
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Six friends inhaled laughing gas balloons and drank alcohol before the crash left their car hidden in a field for 46 hours.
Loughlin was found alive in the wreckage - trapped next to the bodies of three dead friends and one other survivor.
Eve Smith, 21, was killed alongside Darcy Ross, 21, and driver Rafel Jeanne, 24.
Bank worker Sophie Russon, 20, survived with Loughlin in the wreckage - found nearly two days later by police in woods.
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A sixth passenger Joel Lia got out of the car just minutes before it crashed - and later told police the group had partied at Loughlin's caravan with booze and balloons.
Prosecutor Jason Howells said: "A white Volkswagen Tiguan was located by police on the morning of March 6 having crashed into a wooded area off the A48 off St Mellons.
"It was later established that the crash had occurred at around 2am of March 4.
"The occupants of the vehicle, some of whom who had been reported missing, were found with the vehicle and sadly three of those had passed away, Rafel Jeanne, Darcy Ross and Eve Smith.
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"They were the driver, front seat passenger and rear seat passenger.
"The other two rear seat passengers, Shane Loughlin and Sophie Russon survived the crash."
Mr Howells said that while Loughlin was being treated in hospital police investigating the collision found party balloon, nitrous oxide and Loughlin's iPhone phone in the vehicle.
Mr Howells told a judge at Cardiff Crown Court: "Mr Lia's account was that everyone was doing balloons - that is inhaling nitrous oxide.
"He refers to all of them partying at Shane Loughlin's caravan in Porthcawl, consuming alcohol and consuming balloons and nitrous oxide."
Investigators found four incriminating videos on Loughlin's phone of him filming himself as he drove between 80-90mph as he swerved between lanes.
The footage, which was played to the court, showed Loughlin taking his hands off the wheel as he held his phone in one hand and balloons in his mouth with warning lights on in his car.
Loughlin was arrested and said he could not remember driving the car before the crash but accepted it was him in the videos.
He told police he had not done balloons previously but the drug gives a "giggly buzz".
Mr Howells said there was no forensic evidence to show Loughlin was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time he was driving.
Loughlin, who has 23 previous convictions, admitted driving while disqualified and dangerous driving over his manoeuvres just four hours before the fatal crash at 2am on Saturday, March 4.
The court heard he was also in breach of a community order for a domestic violence assault on his former girlfriend.
Andrew Taylor, defending, said: "If ever there's a reminder, especially to young people, that partying and driving motor vehicles is a cocktail that should never be mixed - this should be the indelible reminder.
"With all the tragedy that comes out of it people should remember when they get into motor vehicles that intoxicants whether drink or drugs or a combination of both should not be mixed with driving."
Mr Taylor said Loughlin only survived the later crash because of the cold weather. He was left with reduced heart function because of the injuries.
"He was one of the fortunate ones who was left for over 48 hours in very cold conditions having suffered facial fracture, numerous leg fractures a rupture to the aorta and a fracture to his elbow."
Mr Taylor said: "The mental scars are likely to be with Shane Loughlin for forever and a day."
Loughlin, of Rumney, Cardiff, was jailed for one year and five months by judge Recorder of Cardiff Tracey Lloyd Clarke who told him he showed a "total disregard for the law."
She said: "You know full well the consequences that can arise from a road traffic collision. That night it was luck and not judgement that meant you did not injure or kill anyone yourself."
She told him his crime was made worse by filming the bad driving "perhaps to show others by social media".
Loughlin was banned from driving for two years eight months and two weeks and must take an extended test before regaining his licence.
The court heard he is due to be sentenced for further driving offences later this month.
The group were reported missing having driven from Newport, Gwent, along with M4 to a caravan park in the seaside resort of Porthcawl on the evening before the tragedy.
A week after the crash Loughlin took to social media to say: "Only just found out what happened just want to say sorry to everyone and thank you everyone who helped with the search party and thank you for everyone wishing me well I’ll be back soon love you all.
"Rip Rafel, Eve, and Darcy. Can’t believe it gutted is an understatement heart goes out to all families and friends of the people that has passed. Long way to recovery mentally and physically but we’ll get there."
The group had been trapped inside the wrecked car for more than 46 hours before they were found by police near the A48 in St Mellon's Cardiff on March 6.
An inquest opening heard Rafel, Darcy, and Eve were identified by their mothers following the tragedy.
The missing group was reported to Gwent police on Saturday evening and it was raised with the neighbouring South Wales police the next day. But it took 46 hours for the car to be found.
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The five had been to the Muffler social club in Maesglas, Newport, and travelled 40 miles onto the seaside spot of Trecco Bay in Porthcawl. They were last reported seen back in Cardiff shortly after 2am on Saturday.
The two forces involved - Gwent Police and neighbouring South Wales Police - confirmed the tragedy and an investigation into their response will be held.
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