A motorist who did not stop after a collision that resulted in the deaths of a brother and sister has managed to avoid a prison sentence.
Sixteen-year-old Roman Casselden and his nine-year-old sister Darcie Casselden lost their lives in a tragic accident involving an e-scooter in Ashlyns, Pitsea, Essex, on February 1 last year.
Deimante Ziobryte, 21, had previously admitted to failing to stop at the crash scene. She was identified as the driver of an Audi A1 that did not halt after causing harm to Roman and Darcie. Ziobryte was visibly emotional in court as statements from the children’s parents were shared.
The children’s mother, Emma Keeling, expressed in a court statement the ongoing distress she suffers, stating that the incident has irreversibly altered her life. Their father, Alec Casselden, shared his anguish, questioning why Ziobryte would leave the children injured and drive away.
Although Essex Police initially arrested Ziobryte on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, they later decided not to pursue this charge. The collision occurred as the children were approaching a junction on an e-scooter when Ziobryte’s vehicle collided with them, as detailed by prosecutor Jasmin Akter during the court proceedings.
Ziobryte received a three-month suspended custodial sentence today, in addition to 80 hours of community service and 20 rehabilitation days. She was also disqualified from driving for three years, commencing on March 6, and ordered to cover £239 in costs.
During the hearing, Ziobryte’s defense lawyer, Hulusi Ali, described her actions as panic-induced following the tragic event. Ziobryte, who recently became a mother, expressed deep remorse in a letter, acknowledging her failure to stop immediately and contact emergency services.
Prosecutor Rohini Majumdar recounted that Ziobryte swerved to avoid a collision but still made contact, leading to the fatal injuries suffered by the two youths. Despite making calls to family members, Ziobryte did not reach out to the police or emergency services, nor did she return to the crash site.
An inquest later confirmed that Roman and Darcie succumbed to severe head injuries after the collision on Ashlyns towards Stokefelde. Ziobryte, who pleaded guilty to failing to stop at the scene, was not deemed responsible for the accident.
The parents of the deceased children continue to cherish their memory, with Emma emphasizing that their love and spirit endure in the hearts of those who knew them.
Deputy district judge Jennifer Twite acknowledged the immense sorrow of the case, underscoring the unimaginable grief of the parents. She highlighted the impact of Ziobryte’s failure to stop at the scene, emphasizing the importance of immediate assistance in such incidents. Twite considered Ziobryte’s previous positive conduct, early admission of guilt, and recent maternity in her ruling.
