Bristol truck driver who hit M5 gantry banned for one year

Baker, of Garnett Place, Downend, was found guilty of dangerous driving in June 2024.

On Friday he was given a community order of two years and must also complete 120 hours unpaid work.

His Honour Judge Lambert told Baker: “I cannot tell how you came to miss the obvious hazard but the risk of the vehicle was an obvious one.

“I’m surprised there’s no requirement for a warning, although your employers have now fitted warning systems.

“The responsibility was yours.

You missed it.

The consequences could have been catastrophic.

“But you are far from the people I normally deal with in these courts.”

Baker’s defence lawyer told the court he did not check the rear as he left or while driving.