A pregnant woman has admitted to leaving the scene of a devastating e-scooter crash that claimed the lives of a teenage brother and his younger sister in Essex. Deimante Ziobryte, 21, from Benfleet, was visibly shaking and tearful as she pleaded guilty at Basildon Magistrates' Court to failing to stop after the fatal collision in Pitsea in February last year.
Heartbreaking Tributes to 'Selfless' Brother and 'Wonderful' Sister
Emma Casselden, the mother of 16-year-old Roman and nine-year-old Darcie Casselden, paid an emotional tribute to her children, describing Roman as having "a heart of gold" and Darcie as a "soul filled with creativity and beauty." Roman was known for dedicating his time to working with children in the community, while Darcie had a passion for art that reflected her vibrant spirit.
Details of the Tragic Collision
Prosecutor Rohini Majumdar told the court that Ziobryte had been driving a car involved in a collision with an e-scooter carrying the two youths. "The defendant swerved to avoid a collision but, unfortunately, they did make contact and, sadly, the two youths on the e-scooter have suffered fatal injuries as a result," Majumdar stated. CCTV footage captured Ziobryte driving away from the scene without contacting emergency services.
Essex Police conducted a thorough investigation, concluding in January 2026 that no offences were identified relating to the cause of the collision itself. Detective Sergeant Sam Nason confirmed that a woman arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving would face no further action, though the failure to stop charge remained.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentence
Magistrates warned Ziobryte that she could face up to 26 weeks in prison for the offence. Presiding Magistrate Paul Fisher emphasized, "We can't rule out a term of imprisonment." The case was adjourned until May for sentencing, with an interim driving disqualification imposed and a probation pre-sentence report ordered.
The tragic incident has left the community in mourning, with floral tributes placed at the scene in memory of the young siblings. The court heard that Ziobryte made multiple phone calls to family members after the crash but did not return to the scene or alert authorities.
