Driver jailed following fatal collision

Uldis Stepins, identified as a “dangerous” driver, has received a prison sentence of seven-and-a-half years. This sentence follows an incident in which he caused the death of a woman and seriously injured three other individuals, including her brother. Stepins, 47, from Crowland Avenue, Grimsby, collided with a Hyundai while attempting to overtake a lorry during heavy rain on the B1225 at Market Stainton in Lincolnshire. Jasmine Gower, 29, who was a passenger in the back seat of the Hyundai, died at the scene of the collision, which occurred just after 17:30 BST on 4 August 2023. Stepins had previously entered a guilty plea to causing death by dangerous driving at Lincoln Crown Court. Evidence presented in court indicated that Stepins’ van struck standing water after passing the tanker, causing it to swerve into the opposing carriageway. There, it collided with a Hyundai that was traveling towards a music festival in Horncastle. Ms Gower’s brother, Cameron Cotterill, was among those transported to hospital, alongside the Hyundai’s driver and another occupant. Prosecutor Andrew Peat commented: “The manoeuvre was obviously dangerous. The footage proves the defendant’s van was travelling in excess of the 60mph limit.” Mr Peat further specified that the speed restriction for the defendant’s van was 50mph. Lisa Cotterill, Ms Gower’s mother, issued a statement saying: “Jasmine was an incredibly special human being. From a young age she had a warmth and love for everyone around her.” Mrs Cotterill also described Ms Gower and her brother as “best friends.” She added: “It is devastating for us as parents to watch him suffer. He is lost.” Concluding her statement, she said: “Our lives have changed and will never be the same again.” When delivering the sentence, Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight informed Stepins: “It can only be impatience which can have made you take the bad decision to overtake the lorry.” She added: “In those conditions that was not just speeding, but a dangerous speed for the conditions.” Detective Sergeant Adam Doona stated: “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.” He added: “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 admitted guilt to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving, along with three additional counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has also been prohibited from driving for 13 years and is mandated to undertake an extended retest.