Lorry driver jailed over horror crash that killed man, 24
A lorry driver who caused a fatal crash when overtaking another HGV has been jailed. Patrick Casey's actions caused the death of Callum Powell, who was driving a Vauxhall Astra along the A5 in Shropshire[1].
The collision happened on a single carriageway in the Nesscliffe area on January 23 this year. Callum, 24, who was from Ruyton, Shropshire, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Casey, from Broomfield, Castleblayney, in the Republic of Ireland, was later found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving[2]. He was jailed for four years and two months during a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court[3] on Tuesday, November 7. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and one month.
Sergeant Alex Saxton, from West Mercia Police's[5] Operational Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic case, which has had a huge impact on all involved. Sadly, the whole incident could have easily been avoided if different decisions were made by Casey when in control of vehicle with such power. I know this sentence won’t bring Callum back, but I hope it sends a message to other road users to be more considerate when using the roads, as actions can have devastating consequences.”
The force has reminded motorists to abide by the Highway Code when overtaking other vehicles – particularly when overtaking larger vehicles such as HGVs – to keep themselves and other road users safe. Before overtaking, drivers should ensure the road is sufficiently clear ahead and only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so, ensuring there is enough room ahead.
References
- ^ Shropshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ causing death by dangerous driving (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Shrewsbury Crown Court (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ 'Someone will get killed if this continues' - police plea as yobs lob missiles at passing cars (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Mercia Police's (www.birminghammail.co.uk)