No prosecution in barrier death case

The family of Glyn Gurney said they have now instructed their solicitor to start a private investigation into the case, in which a crash barrier buckled. Mr Gurney, from St Julian's, was killed when the car carrying him went into the barrier on the A4042, in Newport, in May 2003.

His best friend Christopher Dawkins, who was driving, was later jailed for four years for causing Glyn's death while over the alcohol limit.

But concerns about the role the barrier played in the accident were raised immediately after the crash and independent experts Traffic Research Laboratories were commissioned to carry out an investigation.

The police passed the file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service in June to obtain their advice on the case.

But Gwent Police said no further prosecution would be brought. Mr Gurney's father Nick told the Argus today: "This does not surprise us one bit and we intend to start our own private research into this case for our son Glyn and we will not rest until we have a reason to why the barrier reacted in the way it did.

"We have already instructed our solicitor to start the ball rolling and to recall all of the materials involved in the accident."

Superintendent Simon Prince said: "Gwent Police conducted inquiries into the performance of the safety fence during the collision.

"Experts from the Traffic Research Laboratories were commissioned to conduct tests, and a report was prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service.

"These inquiries indicate that the safety fence was constructed to the prescribed standards, and the evidence suggests that the checks and maintenance programme were adhered to.

"Consequently, the Crown Prosecution Service has advised that there is no evidence to suggest that any corporate body was in breach of their duty of care."

He added: "I should like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to Glyn's family for their loss."