Family remember crash victim's 'infectious joy'

The death of a woman who was killed when a driver fell asleep and crashed into her car has "left a vast emptiness", her family has said.

Shinead Francis, 28, died in the crash on the A16 near Cowbit, Spalding, Lincolnshire, in August 2024.

Mantas Kudrevicius, 32, was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Lincoln Crown Court last week after admitting causing her death by dangerous driving.

Shinead's family said her "joy was just infectious to all around her".

In a statement, they said: "Whenever she walked into the room, her smile and zest for life lit up the room.

"Shinead was always there for others. She was a confidant, kind to others in their hour of need, huge hearted and a gentle soul, providing love to all around her.

"Her life had meaning and value."

The court heard that Kudrevicius, of Victoria Street in Quorn, Leicestershire, had been awake for 18 hours and had driven on the wrong side of the road for about 30 seconds before hitting Shinead's car.

Judge Catarina Sjolin-Knight told him: "The only explanation is that you fell asleep in the dark at night on what is a rather featureless road."

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