Driver Error Caused Fatal Crash

Lorry Driver Causes Fatal Crash

16/05/2008

A lorry driver has been jailed for seven years for causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving.

The accident happened last March while Michael Spriggs, 49, of Leicester, carried out a U-turn on the A512 near Loughborough.

The jury at Leicester Crown Court was told that Mr Spriggs, who denied the charge, had been speaking on his mobile phone seconds before the crash happened.

Motorcyclist Robert Ashley, 41, from Shepshed, collided with the lorry and suffered fatal injuries.

Mr Spriggs denied he was on his mobile phone at the time of the collision and blamed the motorbike's speed for the crash.

However, records showed that Mr Spriggs received a 48-second call at 13:28:08, ending at 13:28:56. The first 999 calls reporting the accident were at 13.30.

Police crash investigators found it was impossible for the vehicle, a Volvo articulated tractor unit, to turn in one sweep.

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