Delivery driver jailed for six years for causing the death of seven-year-old Elsie Gascoigne

Delivery driver Veselin Dudenski, 39, has been jailed for six years for causing the death of Ella Gascoigne, who was just 7 at the time of her death. He was travelling to Boothby Graffoe, a village and civil parish in the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire from Metheringham when the tragic and fatal incident took place.

According to a press release by Lincolnshire Police, “As Dudenski approached the crest of the road on the wrong side he met the Kia Rio travelling in the opposite direction colliding head on with it. He seriously injured the driver of the Kia. Elsie Gascoigne, who was sat in the rear of the Kia also received serious injuries and sadly later died in hospital the next morning.

“Dudenski was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced after previously pleading guilty following a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court today.”

The press release also stated that: “In an interview, Dudenski explained that he had been out delivering parcels and was familiar with the road. However, whilst he was aware of the hidden dips he believed that they were located at a different place to where the collision occurred.

“Today Dudenski was sentenced to six years in prison having pleaded guilty to the two offences. He was also banned from driving for eight years and must take an extended re-test before driving again.”

Following Dudenski’s sentence, Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston said: “This has been a distressing investigation, involving the tragic loss of a young child. No outcome can ever reflect the terrible pain that is felt by Elsie’s family and friends following her death.

“Dudenski’s decision to carry out an overtaking manoeuvre on a dark undulating road has ended with the worst of all outcomes. Drivers should always be patient when using the roads and avoid undertaking risky manoeuvres, especially when the road ahead cannot be clearly seen. The warning signs that existed are there to prevent such incidents occurring but only work if we all heed them as we use our roads.”

Elsie Gascoigne’s family released a statement which read: “On the 3rd January 2025 our lives were shattered when our beautiful Elsie was torn away from us by a reckless act from a stranger less than five minutes away from the safety of our home. Elsie was ripped from our lives in a split second with no opportunity for us to ever speak to her again or tell her how much we loved and adored her.

“Elsie was born with a twinkle in her eye, she had such a love for life, she was energetic, playful, inquisitive about life and the world around her. She had a crazy sense of humour, she was cheeky, sassy, smart and funny and was always up to something she shouldn’t be.

“She was like a whirlwind of personality and energy, and her non-stop chatter always meant life was never dull or quiet around her.

“Elsie had a deep love for animals, especially horses, in particular white horses, and loved horse riding. Her caring nature meant she would often rescue ladybirds and build them a habitat.

“Elsie has always been obsessed with unicorns, rainbows and all the magical things in a child’s world. She loved seasonal events such as Christmas, Easter and Halloween, with Christmas being her favourite, she was always sad when Christmas was over.

“Elsie was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and friend to many. She loved her friends and family with all her heart. She adored her siblings, sharing a special bond with both her brother and her sister too.

“Elsie’s mother Kerry said: “Elsie was the youngest of my three children, my last chance to be a mother, we shared a very close bond. Elsie was a mummy’s girl who would follow me everywhere, never wanting to be away from me or without me. The loss of a child is the cruellest life punishment you could inflict on a person. I endlessly search for her and will love and yearn for her until the day I die. The happy memories of her life and our lives together have been tainted with the trauma of images no parent should have to see or experience. I miss you.”

“Elsie’s father said: “Elsie was my only child, my only chance to be a father. Elsie was fearless and funny, and we shared a unique bond that can never be broken. I miss our daily carry cuddles and silly songs, and most of all I miss you. You are the first thing I think about each morning and the last thing at night.”

We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our family and friends for supporting us through this immensely difficult time, your support has and will continue to be our strength.

We would also like to thank Lincolnshire Police for their support and hard work to ensure we got justice for Elsie.

“Elsie, our broken hearts never rest, an Elsie shaped hole left in our chests, wait for us darling in heaven above, we will be together again and wrap you in love.”