Zoe Graham, the wife of British singer Rag N Bone Man, broke down in tears at Hove Crown Court after admitting to a crash that left a mother and her three children traumatised. The 38-year-old was driving her Range Rover at over 50mph when she attempted to overtake a line of cars on a double white line, colliding with a Ford driven by Samantha Keen.
Crash Details and Aftermath
The incident occurred in 2023 near Ringmer, East Sussex, as Keen was turning right into an animal rescue centre. CCTV footage showed both vehicles careering across the road, with Keen's Ford ending up on a grassy verge. Paramedics arrived to find Keen pleading with them not to 'leave her children orphaned', as she had lost her husband in a car crash just a year earlier.
Graham was originally charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of careless driving. She was sentenced to a 12-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, and disqualified from driving for one year.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
In court, Graham explained she was rushing to pick up her sons from school, stating: 'I was a little bit late to pick my boys up. They suffer with anxiety and I felt the need to get there.' She claimed she saw a tractor ahead and decided to overtake, but failed to notice three cars in front of the vehicle, including Keen's Ford, which was signalling to turn right.
Judge Rennie highlighted the inherent danger of overtaking on double white lines, telling Graham: 'I accept this is wholly out of character. All this was avoidable if you had driven in the way you were supposed to.' He added, 'I’m going to put you out of your misery, you’re not going to prison today,' acknowledging her remorse but calling the case 'horrendous' for the trauma inflicted on both families.
Background of the Couple
Zoe Graham, who worked at a cafe near Heathfield, met Rag N Bone Man (real name Rory Graham) in 2020. The couple married the following year.
