Worthing man jailed for three years after crash in Climping

Emergency services were called to the A259 Grevatts Lane, Climping, at around 5.30pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Witnesses reported that Adam Stepney was travelling east when he crossed the central white lines into the opposing carriageway, resulting in a sequence of crashes before a head-on collision with a vehicle being driven by the victim. The victim, a 60-year-old woman, was struck head-on and taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.

She continues to undergo treatment for injuries sustained in the collision. Stepney also sustained serious injuries. Stepney, of Gratwicke Road, Worthing, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Portsmouth Crown Court on October 13, 2025 and was sentenced at the same court on March 20.

The court heard the 26-year-old had epilepsy and had failed to disclose recent seizures to the DVLA. He suffered a seizure at the wheel, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. In sentencing the judge described the case as "appalling", highlighting that Stepney knowingly concealed his condition and made a deliberate decision to continue driving, placing others at significant risk.

Stepney was jailed for three years and disqualified from driving for four years. The lead investigator, Tudor Wells, said: "This was a wholly avoidable incident. Stepney made a conscious decision to drive despite knowing he was not medically fit to do so.

The consequences of that decision have been life-changing for an innocent member of the public.

"We would urge anyone with a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive to follow the correct guidance and inform the DVLA.

"Failing to do so puts lives at risk and will be treated extremely seriously."