Man Confesses to Killing Woman in Stolen Van Police Chase
Ashley Loveday, 38, admitted causing the death of 21-year-old Grace Payne by driving the wrong way on London’s A13 in a stolen van. The horrific crash happened during a police pursuit on November 25 last year.
Grace Payne Fatally Injured in Head-On Crash
Grace was a passenger in a Toyota Prius Uber when Loveday, behind the wheel of a Peugeot Boxer van, sped the wrong way down the eastbound carriageway and collided head-on with the car around 2.35 a.m.
- Uber driver Sunder Ali was seriously injured but survived the smash.
- The van ignored police attempts to stop it before the crash.
- The pursuit stayed on the correct side of the road as officers chased the stolen vehicle.
Tragic Loss of Promising Young Graduate
Grace Payne was a recent University of Kent graduate working at an architecture firm. On the night of the crash, she was heading home to Upminster after a night out with colleagues.
“Grace’s death has left us, along with the rest of her family and friends, devastated,” said her parents. “We are struggling to accept the fact that our daughter will never return home.”
Friends described Grace as caring, bubbly, and bright — always lifting everyone’s spirits. She hoped to retrain as a primary school teacher and volunteered coaching children at Brentwood Cricket Club.
Loveday Faces Jail After Plea Hearing at Old Bailey
At a hearing on Wednesday, Loveday admitted causing Grace’s death and seriously injuring Mr Ali. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking on or before November 22.
Judge Alexia Durran ordered a probation report to assess his danger to the public. Loveday remains in custody awaiting sentencing on March 9.
The full harrowing details of the chase and crash were not discussed, but Loveday did not dispute the facts presented in court.
This tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving and police chases.
