A driver has gone on trial accused of driving dangerously and killing a cyclist on the busy A40 road in Carmarthenshire.Lynwen Thomas, an off-duty sergeant with Dyfed-Powys Police, died following a collision on the westbound stretch of the dual carriageway between Carmarthen and St Clears in February last year.Driver Simon Draper has admitted causing the 37-year-old's death by careless driving - but denies the more serious charge of causing her death by dangerous driving.
Draper, aged 42, of Meidrim Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court.Following the death of sergeant Thomas a memorial service was held at Dyfed-Powys Police's headquarters in Carmarthen to pay tribute to an officer who was described as a "selfless woman" and "a hero".
Speaking at the service, the then temporary chief constable of the force Claire Parameter said: "As a police family we mourn Lynwen’s untimely passing.
With thanksgiving we recall the joy that Lynwen shared with us, that joy we will forever cherish; the memories of her will never die."The trial is expected to last a week.