Deimante Ziobryte, 21, escaped prison despite fleeing after a tragic collision that claimed the lives of two children riding an e-scooter in Essex. The heart-wrenching accident left Roman Casselden, 16, and his sister Darcie Casselden, 9, dead on the spot.
Fatal Collision and Failure to Stop
The devastating crash occurred on February 1 last year in Ashlyns, Pitsea, Essex, as the siblings approached a junction on their e-scooter. Ziobryte’s vehicle struck them, and instead of stopping, she drove away, as revealed by CCTV footage.
Prosecutor Jasmin Akter detailed how Ziobryte halted her car away from the scene and contacted her brother and partner but failed to alert emergency services or return to assist. Police later found her nearby in her vehicle, where she admitted involvement.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
At Basilton Magistrates’ Court, Ziobryte received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. The court also ordered her to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days, and pay £239 in costs and victim surcharge. Additionally, she faces a three-year driving ban.
Her defense lawyer, Hulusi Ali, described her actions as a “panic-driven failure” following a catastrophic event. Ziobryte expressed deep remorse in a letter, stating she relives the tragedy daily and acknowledges her duty to have stopped and contacted emergency services immediately.
Victim Impact: Grief and Anguish
The children’s mother, Emma Keeling, shared her ongoing torment in court, revealing sleepless nights and a life shattered beyond repair. “I will never be the same person again,” she said.
Their father, Alec Casselden, recounted haunting nightmares of his children lying injured and questioned why Ziobryte abandoned them instead of helping. “Why would she leave two children to die and drive off?” he asked.
Judge’s Remarks and Case Context
Deputy District Judge Jennifer Twite acknowledged the unimaginable grief endured by Roman and Darcie’s family, emphasizing that their suffering was compounded by Ziobryte’s failure to stop. She remarked it was fortunate others stopped at the scene, but warned this could not be relied upon.
The judge took into account Ziobryte’s prior good character, her early guilty plea, and the fact she had recently given birth to a daughter three weeks before sentencing.
Despite the driving ban, Ziobryte has expressed she does not intend to drive again.
