Full Breakdown
Tragic Death of Army Veteran Andrew Lister Leads to 10-Year Prison Sentence for Disqualified Driver
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
A collision on a Nottingham-area road resulted in the death of 36-year-old British Army veteran Andrew Lister and serious injuries to his partner, Laura Whatton. The driver, 34-year-old Rowan Grant of Bilborough, was found to be “considerably over the limit” for the main component of cannabis and was already disqualified from driving. Grant pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including causing death by dangerous driving while disqualified, unlicensed and uninsured, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On September 29, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC sentenced Grant to ten years’ imprisonment and imposed a lifetime driving disqualification.
Background & Context
Andrew Lister lived in Edwinstowe, supported Derby County, and was known for his love of animals, especially his Doberman Mable, and walks in Sherwood Forest. He was described by his family as a “young man in his prime” with a stable job, a loving partner, and a daughter.
Rowan Grant had an extensive criminal record that included robbery, drug offences, possession of an offensive weapon, controlling and coercive behaviour, breaching a restraining order, and previous dangerous-driving convictions. At the time of the crash he took a car without the owner’s consent, despite being disqualified, and later falsely claimed his girlfriend was driving.
Timeline
- Date of crash – (exact date not disclosed in sources).
- September 29 – Grant sentenced to ten years in prison and a lifetime driving ban.
- September 30 – Nottinghamshire Police released the family’s tribute statement.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Andrew Lister, 36 years old.
- Driver: Rowan Grant, 34 years old.
- Sentence: 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Driving sanction: lifetime disqualification.
- Substance: “considerably over the limit” for the main component of cannabis.
- Prior convictions: robbery, drugs, offensive-weapon possession, controlling and coercive behaviour, restraining-order breach, multiple dangerous-driving offences.
Official Statements & Responses
Case Investigator Sarah Butler of Nottinghamshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit described Grant’s responsibility, noting the extensive damage to numerous vehicles and the “scene of total devastation.”
Nottinghamshire Police released the family’s tribute on September 30, highlighting Lister’s character and the depth of the family’s grief.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Andrew was a young man in his prime. He had a good job, a loving partner, a daughter he adored and everything to live for.” — Wednesday
- “Grant was responsible that day for a scene of total devastation, with numerous vehicles sustaining catastrophic damage and coming to rest across the road.” — Case Investigator Sarah Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police's serious collision investigation unit
Impact & Reactions
The family’s statement painted a portrait of a devoted husband, father, and animal lover whose loss has left a “different level” of grief for those who knew him. Community members recalled Lister’s “infectious zest for life” and expressed sorrow over the sudden, violent end to his promising future.
What’s Next
Rowan Grant remains incarcerated for the ten-year term and will be prohibited from ever holding a driver’s licence again. No further legal actions or appeals have been reported.