A 21-year-old woman who failed to stop after a devastating collision that killed two children on an e-scooter has received a suspended prison sentence, sparking strong emotions from the victims’ family and the community. The tragic incident unfolded in Ashlyns, Pitsea, Essex, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
The Fatal Crash and Court Proceedings
On 1 February last year, Roman Casselden, 16, and his younger sister, Darcie Casselden, 9, were riding an e-scooter near a junction in Ashlyns when they were struck by a vehicle driven by Deimante Ziobryte. The siblings were pronounced dead at the scene, shocking the local community and prompting a police investigation.
Ziobryte, who recently gave birth to a daughter just three weeks prior to sentencing, appeared at Basilton Magistrates’ Court. She pleaded guilty to failing to stop at the scene of the collision, a charge that carries significant legal consequences.
Prosecutor Jasmin Akter detailed the events during the trial, explaining that CCTV footage captured Ziobryte stopping her vehicle away from the accident site instead of immediately assisting. Rather than contacting emergency services, she made calls to her brother and partner, then left the scene. Police later found her nearby, where she admitted involvement but denied causing the accident.
Legal Arguments and Sentencing Outcome
Ziobryte’s defense attorney, Hulusi Ali, described her actions as a “panic-driven failure” following a catastrophic event. He presented a heartfelt letter from Ziobryte expressing deep remorse and acknowledging that she should have stopped and called for help immediately.
Despite the gravity of the incident, the court heard that the prosecution agreed Ziobryte was not responsible for causing the crash itself. The collision reportedly occurred as she swerved her Audi A1 to avoid hitting the children, but contact was unavoidable.
Deputy District Judge Jennifer Twite condemned Ziobryte’s failure to stop, emphasizing the added anguish this caused the victims’ family. She pointed out that while other bystanders did stop to assist, this cannot always be relied upon in similar situations.
The judge acknowledged Ziobryte’s previously clean record, her early guilty plea, and her recent childbirth as mitigating factors. Consequently, she sentenced Ziobryte to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months. Additional penalties included 80 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a driving ban for three years, and payment of £239 in costs and victim surcharge.
Ziobryte stated she does not intend to drive again, adding a personal dimension to the court’s decision.
Family Impact and Community Reaction
The emotional toll on Roman and Darcie’s family was palpable throughout the proceedings. Their mother, Emma Keeling, spoke of enduring sleepless nights and how the tragedy had “ruined my life,” acknowledging she will never be the same person again. Their father, Alec Casselden, shared haunting nightmares of his children lying alone on the road and questioned why anyone would leave two children to die and then drive away.
The family’s victim impact statements underscored the profound grief and lasting trauma caused by the crash and the subsequent failure to stop. Their words highlighted the human cost behind legal judgments and the challenges of seeking justice in tragic circumstances.
Why This Case Matters
This case raises crucial questions about road safety, responsibility, and the legal obligations of drivers in accidents involving vulnerable road users like children on e-scooters. E-scooters are increasingly common in urban areas, and incidents involving them have drawn attention to the need for clear laws and public awareness about sharing the road safely.
Moreover, the case spotlights the legal and moral implications of leaving an accident scene, especially when lives are lost. While the court recognized Ziobryte’s remorse and mitigating circumstances, the decision to suspend her sentence reflects the complexity of balancing accountability with compassion.
For the broader community, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of split-second decisions behind the wheel and the vital importance of immediate action following accidents.
Looking Ahead
As Ziobryte faces a driving ban and rehabilitation requirements, the Casselden family continues to cope with an unimaginable loss. The case underscores the ongoing need for safer road environments and vigilant, responsible behavior from all drivers and riders alike.
While the legal chapter may be drawing to a close, the emotional and societal reverberations will persist. This heartbreaking event calls for renewed focus on protecting vulnerable road users and ensuring justice and support for victims’ families in tragic circumstances.
