Storm Arwen crash: Man who caused death of girlfriend jailed
November 20, 2023 at 1:50 PM
A driver who caused the death of his girlfriend when he lost control and hit a tree during a storm has been jailed. Lana Maddison, 19, was a passenger in a Ford Fiesta driven by Joseph Rowland when he crashed on the A591 in Keswick on 28 November 2021 during Storm Arwen. Rowland was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving but later admitted the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.
Appearing at Carlisle Crown Court, the 21-year-old was jailed for 10 months. He was also given a three-year driving ban to begin after finishing his jail term.
‘No colour, only grey’
The hearing heard how Rowland, of Thursby, and Miss Maddison, of Silloth, had been visiting friends near Keswick and were driving home on the A591 as Storm Arwen was setting in at about 20:00 GMT. Prosecutor Andrew Evans said there was ice and flooding in the area when the car failed to make a bend near Dodd Wood and hit a tree.
Miss Maddison, who was sitting in the back, suffered a brain injury and died five days later at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. The hearing heard how other road users described weather conditions that day as “hazardous” and the A591 as “impassable” at more than 30mph. A police collision investigation concluded Rowland had been driving at 55mph four seconds before the crash before braking, with an impact speed of 33mph.
During his sentencing, a statement read out on behalf of the victim’s mother, Lisa, said there were “not enough words” to describe the loss of a beautiful daughter. “Since Lana’s tragic death our lives have been completely shattered,” the statement said. “There is no colour in our lives any more, only grey.”
‘Reckless disregard’
The court heard Rowland had shown remorse and Kim Whittlestone, defending, said the accident had happened “due to inexperience rather than irresponsibility”.
Judge Nicholas Barker said: “I do consider you took a reckless disregard for the conditions. “You were in a relationship with Lana. “I know you will bear the weight of your actions for the rest of your life.”
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