Ecclesfield lorry driver jailed for two years

A HGV driver from Ecclesfield has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how, on September 8 2016, at around 5.20am, Ashley Cole of Mellor Lea Farm, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, was driving an articulated lorry when it was involved in a collision with an Audi A4 driven by Jamie Armstrong of Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

Cole, 56, had parked at Stainmore Café on the A66 at Brough to rest and was resuming his journey prior to the collision.

The court heard how Cole was attempting to manoeuvre his vehicle onto the westbound carriageway to continue his journey when he say two HGVs travelling on the westbound carriageway.

Cole then had to wait and, in doing so, his vehicle was blocking the eastbound carriageway.

Mr Armstrong’s Audi, travelling eastbound, then collided with the offside trailer.

Mr Armstrong, 30, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision. He had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time but an investigation found a seatbelt would not have prevented the fatal injuries he suffered.

Cole denied that his driving had beendangerous, causing the death of Mr Armstrong. However, he was found guilty of the offence at court following a trial.

Sergeant Claire Sampson of Cumbria Police’s Mobile Support Group said: “This case is tragic for everyone involved, Jamie Armstrong was given no opportunity to avoid this collision.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Armstrong. We would like to thank them for the dignity and patience they have shown throughout this investigation.”