The family of Michael Ramstedt, a school caretaker from Shurdington, Cheltenham, have expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the sentence handed to the driver responsible for the crash that claimed his life over two years ago.
Mr Ramstedt, a 58-year-old father of four, died when Nuno Gouveia’s car crossed onto the wrong side of the road at Birdlip and collided with his vehicle. The collision occurred in the early hours, at about 5.30am, as Mr Ramstedt was on his way to his job at Sladewood Academy in Stroud.
After a lengthy wait for justice, the case concluded on 19 August at Cheltenham magistrates' court. Gouveia, aged 32 and from Chipping Street, Tetbury, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also given a 12-month driving ban, fined £272 and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
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In July, Gouveia had pleaded guilty to causing death by careless and inconsiderate driving, explaining at sentencing that he had been distracted by his car’s satnav.
The Ramstedt family has publicly voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcome. Livia Ramstedt, Michael’s widow, shared her feelings on social media: “For everyone else, this may be a court case and a sentence. For me and my family, this is our life.
“Michael died, and we have had to live with that loss every single day. After nearly two years awaiting some sense of justice, an eight-month suspended sentence, community service and a fine are incredibly difficult to comprehend.
“Nothing can bring Michael back, and no sentence can undo what happened. But I had hoped the consequences would reflect the devastating and permanent loss of a life.
“Thank you to everyone who has shown support and who understands why this sentence is so deeply upsetting.”
Their son, Keith Harris, who was present at the sentencing, expressed his anger: “I’m just so angry. The fact that it took two years is one thing, but the one-year driving ban is ridiculous. His licence should have been revoked for five to ten years to remind people that driving is a privilege, not an expectation.”
Keith described the crash site as mostly straight with only a slight curve and noted that there were no witnesses other than Gouveia. He said his father died at the scene from multiple injuries while Gouveia, who was working as a bus driver for Stagecoach and was reportedly late for work, escaped without injury.
Keith also commented on Gouveia’s remorse, stating that while the driver appeared sorry, he did not seem truly remorseful.
A spokesperson for the Sentencing Council noted that the legislation passed by Parliament in the Sentencing Act 2026 included a presumption to suspend short sentences, which influenced the court’s decision.
Gloucestershire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team emphasised the serious dangers of distracted driving. Investigator Hannah Moore said: “Being distracted behind the wheel is completely unacceptable and reckless, endangering lives as we sadly saw in this case. Concentrating on the road is paramount to keeping yourself and others safe.”
Livia Ramstedt also provided a heartfelt victim impact statement through the police, expressing the profound and ongoing grief caused by the loss of her husband.
A family tribute issued after the crash described Michael Ramstedt as a devoted father to his two sons and two daughters, and a loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren.
The case underscores the enduring impact of road tragedies on families and highlights discussions about sentencing standards in fatal driving incidents.