Man Admits Killing Woman After Driving Wrong Way in Stolen Van on Busy East London Road
Fatal Crash on the A13 Shocks Community
Ashley Loveday, 38, has confessed to causing the death of a young woman during a wild police chase. The incident unfolded on the A13 in east London, where Loveday was driving a stolen Peugeot Boxer van the wrong way on the main road.
The tragic collision happened after the victim, Grace Payne, had been out celebrating with colleagues. Loveday’s reckless driving along the A1306 Marsh Way and A13 led to the fatal crash on 9 December.
Devastated Family Mourns Grace’s Untimely Death
“Grace’s death has left us, along with the rest of her family and friends, devastated,” said Grace’s parents. “We are struggling to accept the fact that our daughter will never return home.”
Grace’s family described her as a bright, bubbly, and compassionate young woman who brought joy to everyone around her.
Grace’s Friends Remember Her as a Ray of Sunshine
Friends said Grace always lit up the room with her cheerful nature and was known for her kindness and wit. She loved helping others and was the glue that kept her circle of friends together, often making sure everyone got home safely.
At just 21, Grace was finishing a degree in history and philosophy, had spent a summer travelling across Europe with university friends, and had recently fallen in love with a London company where she worked. It was set to be an exciting year for her, finally free to live life after the lockdown restrictions of Covid.
Sadly, after a routine Thursday night out with colleagues, Grace never made it home.
Old Bailey Plea Hearing
On 1 March, Loveday appeared at the Old Bailey where he admitted to causing Grace’s death through dangerous driving. His actions have left a community grieving and searching for answers as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
