An HGV driver who attempted to overtake another lorry on the A5 in Shropshire and collided with a car coming the other way, killing the driver, has been jailed for more than four years.
Patrick Casey was found guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving following the incident on 23 January this year.
The court heard that Casey, 22, had tried overtaking an HGV on the single carriageway at Nesscliffe before he ploughed into a Vauxhall Astra driven by 24-year-old Callum Powell.
Powell was pronounced dead at the scene.
Casey, from Castleblayney in County Monaghan, was given a four year and two month custodial sentence, as well as being handed a driving ban for seven years and one month.
Sergeant Alex Saxton, from West Mercia Police’s 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 a 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 police urged drivers to make sure the road ahead is sufficiently clear before overtaking, particularly when overtaking large vehicles.
