Bournemouth man jailed for causing fatal road traffic collision on A352

A Bournemouth man has been jailed for three years and four months today (7 February 2022) at Bournemouth Crown Court for causing death by dangerous driving.

Stephan Sheppard, aged 41, failed to negotiate a bend on the A352 Wareham Road, near Wool, on 5 July 2020. His Hyundai Tucson vehicle ploughed straight through a caravan that was being towed in the opposite direction, and collided head on with a Ford Fiesta travelling behind the caravan.

Tragically, the impact caused the death of 34-year-old Warren Wright, who was travelling as a passenger in the rear of the Ford Fiesta.

As well as serving a period of imprisonment, Sheppard was banned from driving for a total of five years and 20 months.

Ruth Sands, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “It was the prosecution’s case that it is likely Stephan Sheppard fell asleep at the wheel having failed to take necessary medication for a medical condition.

“By deciding to stop taking the medication that he knew he needed to drive safely, Sheppard created a serious risk of danger to others.

“Sheppard’s dangerous driving resulted in the tragic death of Warren Wright, a young man and new father, whose family are undoubtedly devastated to lose him in such circumstances.

“This case should serve as a warning to anyone who takes the decision to drive whilst tired, or otherwise unfit to drive safely. The risk is not worth taking and you will be prosecuted wherever our legal test is met.”