Pair deny killing rugby referee in three-car crash

Two men have denied causing the death of a rugby referee and seriously injuring his nine-year-old son in a crash.

Father-of-two Rhys Jenkins from Deuddw, Powys, was killed in a crash near Welshpool in November last year and his son, Ioan, was airlifted to hospital.

Mold Crown Court was told on Friday that Abubakr Ben Yusaf, 29, and 34-year-old Umar Ben Yusaf, both from Esmond Road, Manchester, were in separate cars on the A483 when the crash happened.

Both men denied causing the death of Mr Jenkins by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured and causing serious injuries to Ioan and will stand trial on 8 September.

The pair sat expressionless in the dock throughout the hearing, speaking only to confirm their names and details, and to plead not guilty to the charges.

Abubakr Ben Yusaf was driving a red BMW X3 and Umar Ben Yusaf was driving a blue Audi S4 at Belan, between Welshpool and Newtown, on 16 November, the court was told.

They are both optometrists and the court heard they would often do locum work in Wales.

Their bail conditions were amended so they could continue working ahead of their trial.

Mr Jenkins was described by his family as a "devoted family man" who was also a highly respected sportsman, refereeing rugby games around Wales and in New Zealand.