Man jailed for killing woman in head-on crash

A man who killed a woman after falling asleep at the wheel on the A16 near Spalding, Lincolnshire, has been jailed.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Mantas Kudrevicius, 32, drove on the wrong side of the road for about 30 seconds and collided with a car being driven by Shinead Francis, 28, on 30 August 2024.

Kudrevicius, of Victoria Street in Quorn, Leicestershire, was jailed for four-and-a-half years on Friday.

Sentencing, Judge Catarina Sjolin-Knight said: "The only explanation is that you fell asleep in the dark at night on what is a rather featureless road."

The court heard a witness describe how the vehicle suddenly accelerated just before the collision.

Police found traces of cannabis in a urine sample provided by Kudrevicius who, in a police interview, admitted to smoking a joint the previous day.

Peter Gotch, mitigating, said Kudrevicius had expressed genuine remorse and sorrow.

Gotch said: "He has always accepted it is his fault."

Kudrevicius pleaded guilty at a hearing in February.

Victim impact statements were read out in court from members of Francis's family.

Her mother said Francis was an aunt to 23 nieces and nephews and told the court her daughter was "her little miracle" and "a precious gem".

Francis's stepfather said there would always be an empty place at the family table and in their hearts.

In his statement, Francis's boyfriend said she inspired him every day.

"I will forever hold Shinead as one of the biggest blessings in my life," he said.

Det Sgt Kate Johnston, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "Before driving you should always ensure you are well rested, as the placing of your vehicle in an opposing carriageway, particularly at night, is clearly dangerous and ultimately can lead to tragic consequences, which Shinead's family must now live with."

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