Man jailed for killing woman in Chelmsford collision
Jennifer Anne Tillett, 83, died after the car she was in was hit from behind by another vehicle
Last updated 17th Sep 2025
A dangerous driver who admitted causing the death of a woman following a serious collision in Chelmsford has been jailed.
Steve Crowe of Straight Road, Colchester, was jailed for a total of 11 years for causing the death of Jennifer Anne Tillett in January 2023. He was also banned from driving for 8 years.
The 49-year-old had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mrs Tillet, who had turned 83 on the day of the collision.
Her son, who was driving, and her passenger daughter-in-law, were both seriously injured.
The car they were travelling in, a Vauxhall Zafira, was rear-ended after stopping due to queuing traffic on the A12 on 3 January 2023.
The force was so great it caused the Zafira to flip over and come to rest on its roof on the nearside verge.
Witnesses told police how the van driver, Mr Crowe, did not stop in reaction to the many vehicles’ brake lights as they waited in line.
The police investigation found he had been using his mobile in the time that led up to the collision, but he denied being distracted by this when interviewed.
Detective Sam Nason, who led the investigation, said: “Today and throughout the investigation, my thoughts have been and remain with Mrs Tillett’s family and friends.”