A pregnant woman has admitted leaving the scene of an e-scooter crash that killed a 16-year-old boy and his nine-year-old sister in Essex. Deimante Ziobryte, 21, appeared tearful and visibly shaking as she pleaded guilty to failing to stop after the collision in Pitsea in February 2025.
The crash claimed the lives of Roman Casselden and his sister Darcie. Their mother, Emma Casselden, paid tribute to them, describing Roman as having 'a heart of gold' and Darcie as 'a soul filled with creativity and beauty'. The siblings were riding an e-scooter when they were hit by a car driven by Ziobryte.
Basildon Magistrates' Court heard that Ziobryte swerved to avoid a collision but made contact with the e-scooter, causing fatal injuries. She then drove off and made multiple phone calls to family members but did not contact the police or emergency services. Prosecutor Rohini Majumdar said Ziobryte 'at no point' returned to the scene.
Essex Police concluded in January 2026 that no offences were identified relating to the cause of the collision. Detective Sergeant Sam Nason stated that a woman arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving would face no further action. Ziobryte was charged only with failing to stop.
Magistrates warned Ziobryte that she could face a prison sentence. Presiding magistrate Paul Fisher said: 'We can't rule out a term of imprisonment.' An interim driving ban was imposed, and the case was adjourned to May for sentencing, pending a pre-sentence report.
