UK Court Sentences Nigerian Woman to 50 Months for Dangerous Driving Causing Death in Crewe
Nigerian woman jailed for 50 months in UK for dangerous driving that killed a pedestrian; court orders five-year ban and extended test.
A 39-year-old Nigerian woman, identified as Oghenevwaire Shittu of Ruskin Road, Crewe, has been sentenced to 50 months in prison after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving in a collision that claimed the life of 61-year-old Stephen Rae. The judgement was delivered at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 4.
Shittu, who had previously pleaded guilty to the charge, was also disqualified from driving for five years and ordered to retake an extended driving test upon the expiry of her ban.
Facts of the Tragic Collision
The fatal incident occurred shortly before 10:10 a.m. on Friday, February 9, when Shittu was driving a green BMW along Nantwich Road in Wistaston. CCTV footage showed the vehicle approaching Crewe with no indication that the driver braked before making a sudden movement from the road towards a central refuge island - a pedestrian safety zone marked by two fluorescent bollards.
At the time, Stephen Rae, a well-known Crewe resident, was crossing the road and waiting on the refuge island. The BMW mounted the island and struck him, inflicting multiple traumatic injuries. Members of the public rushed to Stephen’s aid, but he succumbed to his injuries in hospital later that day.
Emergency responders and investigators later confirmed the absence of brake lights on the footage prior to the collision - a factor noted during the trial as part of the evidence pointing to dangerous driving.
Defendant’s Conduct and Legal Findings
Following the collision, Shittu was arrested at the scene. She passed all initial roadside checks, including drug and alcohol screening and a fitness-to-drive test administered by officers. During her police interview, Shittu did not provide an explanation for how the incident occurred, stating only that she was familiar with the road and that there were no distractions in or outside her vehicle.
Further investigation revealed that Shittu was driving without a valid licence, instead holding only a UK provisional licence issued in 2022 - a licence that does not permit unsupervised driving. Additionally, her vehicle was found to be uninsured at the time of the crash.
Under UK law, causing death by dangerous driving carries severe penalties, including long custodial sentences and disqualification from driving. Chester Crown Court applied these legal principles in arriving at the 50-month imprisonment term.
Judge’s Remarks and Court’s Reasoning
In pronouncing sentence, the judge highlighted the grave consequences of dangerous driving, noting that Shittu’s decision to drive without proper licensing or insurance significantly intensified the risk to other road users. The court emphasized that motorists owe a fundamental duty of care to pedestrians and fellow drivers - a duty that was tragically breached in this case.
The sentence reflected the court’s assessment of culpability, bearing in mind the lack of mitigation offered by the defendant during proceedings, alongside the irreversible harm caused to Stephen Rae and his family.
Family Reaction: Loss, Grief and Remorse
Following the sentencing, Stephen Rae’s family released a heartfelt statement, expressing a mixture of relief that the process was concluded and deep sorrow that “no sentence will ever bring Stephen back to us.” They described Stephen as “a beloved son and nephew” whose loss has left an enduring void.
The family’s statement highlighted the emotional toll of the ordeal and the enduring pain of losing a cherished family member in such sudden and violent circumstances.
Police Message: Driving Is a Privilege
Sergeant Andrew Dennison, who was involved in the investigation, reiterated a strong message to motorists: “When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you must understand that driving is a privilege, not a right.”
In his official comment, Sergeant Dennison stressed that nothing justifies a lack of full attention on the road. He noted the collision could have been avoided and hoped that the tragic consequence serves as a stark reminder of the potential outcome of distracted, unlawful, or negligent driving.
Implications for Road Safety in the UK
This case once again spotlights key issues in UK road safety discourse, particularly the dangers associated with:
• Driving without a valid licence, which bypasses essential safeguards intended to ensure drivers have sufficient experience and training.
• Uninsured driving, which not only breaches UK law but also endangers public safety financially and physically.
• Failing to exercise basic caution, including proper vehicle control and situational awareness.
The sentencing serves as a reminder to the public that the UK criminal justice system views dangerous driving that results in loss of life as a serious offence — one that carries significant custodial time and wide-ranging consequences for the offender’s future.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Stephen Rae and the subsequent conviction of Oghenevwaire Shittu underscore the severe risks associated with negligent driving practices. The sentence reflects both the gravity of the offence and the legal framework’s commitment to upholding road safety. While the punishment can never undo the loss of life, it reinforces the rule of law and highlights the importance of responsible, legally compliant driving on UK roads.
Source Links
• Chester Crown Court: Nigerian Woman Sentenced for Dangerous Driving
• Punch Nigeria: Husband Waiting at Refuge Island Killed by BMW