The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fife driver jailed over baby’ s death
Partner’s unborn child died after head-on collision
A 23-year-old Fife man who caused the death of his pregnant partner’s baby by driving dangerously has been jailed for three years.
Stephen Stennett, pictured, of Cowdenbeath, was also banned from the road for more than five years after admitting responsibility for causing the head-on collision on the B9157 near Kirkcaldy in October 2018.
Stennett’s partner and passenger Shannon Myers, 18, had been 30 weeks’ pregnant at the time and had to be given an emergency Caesarian section when son Luke was born. However, he died just 32 minutes after his birth.
Following Stennett’s sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Shannon said: “Losing my baby was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced and no sentence could ever reflect this pain which will stay with me forever.”
AFife mum whose unborn baby died after a road crash said no sentence could ease her heartbreak after her former boyfriend was jailed for three years.
Stephen Stennett, 23, collided head-on with a van on the B9157 near Kirkcaldy, with partner Shannon Myers, 18, a passenger in his Seat Leon.
Shannon, who was 30 weeks pregnant, had to have an emergency c-section but medics were unable to save son Luke.
After Stennett was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow to three years for causing the tragedy, Shannon said how hard the last few years has been.
In a statement through her solicitors, she said: “Losing my baby was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced and no sentence could ever reflect this pain which will stay with me forever.
“When you are pregnant people warn you of all the things to expect or be aware of – but you never think something like this will happen.
“I would like to thank my friends and family for all their support but now I just want some peace.”
Stennett was sentenced yesterday after he earlier pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on October 3 2018.
Judge Lady Stacey said: “This was tragic and as a result of your driving a young woman had to have her baby delivered and that he died shortly afterwards.
“You, your family and friends know you have to live with that for the rest of your life.
“Nothing can reconcile
Miss Myers to the loss of her baby nor will the passing of a sentence cure her anguish.”
She told Stennett she was disappointed to see he had had points added to his licence since the crash.
Stennett, of Cowdenbeath, was banned from driving for five years and three months.
The court earlier heard how he made a dangerous overtaking move.
Prosecutor Murdoch McTaggart said: “The accused pulled out and drove into the path of an oncoming van.
“The accused’s vehicle ended up in a ditch.”
Miss Myers, the front seat passenger, had pain in her abdomen and was taken to hospital.
A scan showed the baby had a heartbeat of 60 beats a minute.
Mr McTaggart said: “This was regarded as low and gave cause for concern.”
An emergency c-section was performed and baby Luke was born “floppy and unresponsive with no signs of life”. CPR was given.
Mr McTaggart said: “At 12 minutes after birth no heartbeat could be detected.
“He was given oxygen and adrenaline and the resuscitation team continued to treat him, however, his heartbeat did not return.
“At 32 minutes of full resuscitation all team members agreed to withdraw life support.”
Luke’s cause of death was recorded as “complications of traumatic abruption due to road traffic collision”.
Miss Myers suffered broken toes and a fractured arm.
A 15-year-old female passenger in the car received a fractured spine collarbone and sternum. A male passenger, 15, suffered a fractured spine and eye bone as well as a minor head injury.
Van driver Ian Baker, his wife Clara and their 10-year-old daughter had minor injuries.
Stennett was traced and arrested when he admitted being the driver.
Mr McTaggart added: “He earlier told a witness that the collision was his fault and that when he saw the van he tried to get in the ditch but that he still hit it.”
Shelagh McCall QC, defending, told the court Stennett feels real remorse.
She added: “Only through momentary ill attention he failed to see the oncoming van and he takes full responsibility for the collision and for the death of Luke Myers and injuries to the others.”