Driver Who Left Fatally Injured Girlfriend to Die in Crash Back Behind Wheel
Nathan Towers has been caught driving while disqualified four years after he crashed his car and left 20-year-old Jess Waterman fatally injured at the scene. The 33-year-old man, who caused the death of his girlfriend by careless driving in February 2022, was recently apprehended behind the wheel again following his release from prison.
Tragic Incident and Initial Conviction
The fatal accident occurred on Houblons Hill in Epping, where Towers, an unlicensed and uninsured driver, lost control of his vehicle. Jess Waterman, from Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, sustained severe injuries and tragically died in hospital less than 24 hours after the crash, just three days before her 21st birthday. Her family described her as a "beautiful, vibrant, and caring young woman" who had touched many lives.
In June 2023, Towers was sentenced to four years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including perverting the course of justice and fraud. He fled the scene after the collision to avoid arrest, showing no regard for Jess or her injuries, according to Inspector Mark Fraser of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
Recent Offence and Family Outrage
Despite being disqualified from driving, Towers was caught behind the wheel of a car on the A127 in Southend on March 4. He was subsequently handed a six-month prison sentence at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on March 5, along with a six-month and 21-day driving disqualification, £85 in costs, and a £154 victim surcharge.
Jess' family expressed their fury upon learning that Towers, who served only 20 months of his original sentence before being released on licence until August 2027, was caught speeding and recalled to prison. They stated, "He has demonstrated that no lessons have been learned after taking the life of our precious daughter and after behaving in such an abhorrent way." The family emphasised that Towers has never passed a driving test or theory test, classifying him as highly dangerous on the road with no regard for other users.
Campaign for Tougher Penalties
The family has been campaigning tirelessly for stricter punishments against unlicensed driving, supported by their local MP, Josh Dean. They argue that unlicensed driving should be recognised in the same category as drink- and drug-driving, citing the current deterrents as ineffective for those without a full licence. "We believe in the introduction of stronger and more proportionate penalties for unlicensed driving," they said.
Mr Dean, the Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, echoed this sentiment, stating that this case highlights the need for tougher penalties to keep such offenders off the road. The family's grief remains profound, with Jess' loved ones noting that no sentence will ever feel sufficient, as nothing can bring her back. "She was our light, and our world is a darker place without her," they added.
