'Dangerous' driver jailed for causing fatal crash

Uldis Stepins, 47, lost control of his van and crashed into a Hyundai

A "dangerous" driver who killed a woman and seriously injured three other people, including her brother, has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Uldis Stepins, 47, of Crowland Avenue, Grimsby, crashed into a Hyundai after he tried to overtake a lorry in heavy rain on the B1225 at Market Stainton in Lincolnshire.

Jasmine Gower, 29, who was in the back seat of the Hyundai, died at the scene of the crash which occurred just after 17:30 BST on 4 August 2023.

Stepins pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving earlier at Lincoln Crown Court.

The court heard Stepins' van hit standing water after passing the tanker and swerved into the opposite carriageway where it collided with a Hyundai that was travelling to a music festival in Horncastle.

Ms Gower's brother, Cameron Cotterill, was also taken to hospital along with the driver of the Hyundai and another passenger in the car.

Andrew Peat, prosecuting, said: "The manoeuvre was obviously dangerous. The footage proves the defendant's van was travelling in excess of the 60mph limit."

Mr Peat added that the speed limit for the defendant's van was 50mph.

'Devastating'

Ms Gower's mother, Lisa Cotterill, said in a statement: "Jasmine was an incredibly special human being. From a young age she had a warmth and love for everyone around her."

Mrs Cotterill described Ms Gower and her brother as "best friends".

"It is devastating for us as parents to watch him suffer. He is lost.

"Our lives have changed and will never be the same again," she added.

Passing sentence, Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Stepins: "It can only be impatience which can have made you take the bad decision to overtake the lorry.

"In those conditions that was not just speeding, but a dangerous speed for the conditions."

Det Sgt Adam Doona said: "Stepins chose to carry out an overtake of a lorry, despite the fact that both of them should only be travelling at the same maximum speed.

"Unfortunately, the option he chose has resulted in the tragic death of a young female and serious injuries being caused to the three other occupants of the Hyundai."

Stepins pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and three further offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was also banned from driving for 13 years and must take an extended retest.

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