The family of a Crickhowell woman killed in a street race has welcomed the Government’s decision to consider changing the law around defendants deemed unfit to stand trial.

Sophie Brimble, 20, died in the early hours of July 26, 2017, when the car she was travelling in crashed into a lamppost in Brynmawr.

Her boyfriend, Jay Bayliss, was driving as he raced another car through residential streets.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has now said it agrees the law needs updating and is considering reforms.

It follows a petition launched by Sophie’s family after Bayliss was found responsible for her death at a trial of facts earlier this year, but was given an absolute discharge.

The petition has attracted more than 10,000 signatures and calls for courts to have greater powers where defendants are found unfit to plead.

It also calls for measures such as driving bans to be available where someone is found responsible for causing serious harm or death.

Sophie’s sister, Aimee Coombes, said the family was relieved by the Government’s response but was now waiting to see what action would follow.

The family launched the petition after the sentencing hearing in April, when the judge had no power to impose a prison sentence or driving ban on Bayliss.

Bayliss, now 32, had originally been deemed unfit to stand trial because of injuries suffered in the crash.

Police reopened the investigation in 2024 after discovering he had successfully reapplied for his driving licence.

He was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but was again ruled unfit for criminal proceedings following medical evidence.

A trial of facts was held instead, with the prosecution presenting its case to a jury without Bayliss having to participate in the proceedings.

The jury found him responsible for causing Sophie’s death by dangerous driving. But the court’s limited powers meant he received an absolute discharge.

Aimee said the family wanted changes to ensure others did not face the same situation.

“I just want them to sort of stand in our shoes for two minutes to see what we’ve been through, what other families have been through,” she told the BBC.

“When we walked out of court, it just felt like Sophie’s life didn’t matter... she should have had the justice she deserved.”

The Law Commission has previously said the rules surrounding unfitness to plead are outdated, with the current definition dating back to 1836.

It published recommendations for reform a decade ago, including changes to the test for unfitness, the hearing process and the powers available to courts when allegations are proved.

The MoJ said it accepted most of the Law Commission’s recommendations.

It is considering a wider range of court disposals and more effective powers to protect victims and the public. It said this could include orders to strengthen supervision and allow more tailored arrangements to enhance public protection. The department also said it would consider ways to make procedures clearer and more supportive for victims and their families.