Banned Driver Sentenced to 10 Years for Killing Ex-Soldier
A disqualified driver under the influence of cannabis killed a former soldier when he crashed into his stationary car at high speed.
A banned driver, who was high on cannabis and driving at speeds up to 87 mph, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for causing the death of a former soldier. Rowan Grant, 34, was weaving through traffic before colliding with the stationary vehicle of Andrew Lister, 36, who was waiting at a roundabout in Nottingham on December 9, 2025.
Mr. Lister sustained critical injuries and died in the hospital the following day. His partner, Laura Whatton, suffered multiple fractures and spent weeks in the hospital recovering.
Grant, who had prior convictions for dangerous driving, robbery, drug offenses, and other driving-related matters, initially attempted to blame his girlfriend, falsely claiming she had fled the scene. He was found to have tested positive for cannabis after the crash. Nottingham Crown Court also heard that Grant suffered from a brain injury causing regular seizures but refused to take prescribed medication.
During the sentencing, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC stated that Grant had received numerous warnings about his driving and his medical condition, yet he chose to drive recklessly and under the influence of cannabis. The judge rejected Grant's claim of having an epileptic seizure during the incident, describing his actions as "playing Russian roulette" with others' lives.
Andrew Lister's family described him as a "beloved son with an infectious zest for life." He had served in the army for five years and had a daughter whom he adored. His partner, Ms. Whatton, expressed feelings of anger and confusion over his death, stating she felt "cheated out of a life with him."
Case Investigator Sarah Butler of Nottinghamshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit commented on the devastation caused by Grant's actions, emphasizing that the victims were "simply waiting at a red light when their lives were shattered by a man who should never have been behind the wheel of a car." Grant received a lifetime driving ban in addition to his prison sentence.
Grant pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was also sentenced for causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Ms. Whatton. He was banned from driving for life. The court heard that Grant was traveling at nearly triple the speed limit seconds before the collision, attempting to overtake a bus. He accelerated from 75 mph to 87 mph before crashing into Mr. Lister's vehicle and several others. The prosecutor noted that Grant was "considerably over the limit for THC (the primary compound of cannabis)" and had a history of refusing medication for his epilepsy.
Mr. Lister's family stated that their grief was immense, remembering him for his love, kindness, and a "cheeky smile." They noted the difficulty of constantly realizing he is no longer present to share in their lives.
