Banned Driver Jailed for 10 Years for Killing Ex-Soldier in High-Speed Crash

A disqualified driver, Rowan Grant, 34, has been jailed for ten years after causing the death of former soldier Andrew Lister and injuring Lister's partner. Grant was weaving through traffic at high speeds before colliding with Lister's stationary vehicle at a roundabout in Nottingham on December 9, 2025. Lister sustained fatal injuries and died in hospital the following day. His partner, Laura Whatton, suffered multiple fractures and required extensive hospitalization.

Grant, who had a history of driving offenses and had been disqualified in 2011, tested positive for cannabis after the crash. He also suffered from epilepsy due to a brain injury but had refused to take prescribed medication. The court heard he was traveling at speeds up to 87 mph shortly before the collision, attempting to overtake a bus.

Prosecutor Luc Chignell stated that Grant should not have been on the road given his disqualification and subsequent driving convictions. He added that Grant's decision to drive recklessly, compounded by his refusal to take medication for his epilepsy and his self-medication with cannabis, led to the tragic outcome.

Grant initially attempted to blame his girlfriend, claiming she had fled the scene. However, she was miles away, and he had taken her car without permission. He also claimed to have suffered an epileptic seizure, a claim rejected by the judge, who noted Grant's ability to perform several overtaking maneuvers before the crash and his failure to mention the seizure immediately afterward.

In a victim impact statement, Andrew Lister's father described his son as a "beloved son with an infectious zest for life" who served in the army for five years. He had a daughter he adored and was a fan of Derby County. Lister's partner, Ms. Whatton, expressed her anger and confusion, feeling cheated out of a future with him. She had returned from a holiday with Lister the day before the crash.

Judge Stuart Rafferty KC told Grant that he had driven dangerously from the moment he got behind the wheel and had received numerous warnings. The judge stated that Grant had chosen to play "Russian roulette" with his health and driving, and when he "pulled the trigger," the consequences were fatal for Mr. Lister and devastating for Ms. Whatton.

Nottinghamshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit investigator, Sarah Butler, described Grant's actions as creating "a scene of total devastation." She highlighted his dishonesty at the scene and his repeated decisions to drive while disqualified as indicative of his character. The investigation team extended their thoughts to Mr. Lister's family and loved ones, and all those affected by Grant's actions.

Grant pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to ten years in prison. He received a lifetime driving ban. Andrew Lister was 36 years old at the time of his death.