Lack of Latvian interpreter delays sentence of Grimsby man who caused woman’s death in crash near Horncastle

The sentence of a van driver who caused the death of a woman in a crash was adjourned today (Thursday) because there was no Latvian interpreter for the defendant.

Uldis Stepins, 47, will now be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on December 9.

Stepins has already pleaded guilty to causing the death of Jasmine Gower, 29, by dangerous driving.

Ms Gower died in a collision between a car, in which she was a passenger, and a van driven by Stepins on the B1225 at Market Stainton near Horncastle on August 4 2023.

Three other people were seriously injured and Stepins also admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Stepins of Crowland Avenue, Grimsby, was due to be sentenced on 31 October but a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was told a Lithuanian interpreter had been booked for the defendant by mistake and no Latvian interpreter was available.

David Eager, defending, said Stepins had come to court prepared to start his jail sentence and wished to be remanded into custody.

Judge Simon Hirst promised to investigate the error with the interpreter and agreed to remand Stepins into custody.

The Judge told Stepins: "A custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.

"I understand you want to begin your sentence today. You will find out how long you will have to serve on 9 December."

Stepins was also made the subject of an interim driving ban.