An HGV driver suffered psychological harm following a fatal collision in Northamptonshire caused by a motorist who took illegal drugs the night before.
In what is thought to be a regional first, 23-year-old Cameron Bryce, was charged with causing serious injury by careless driving after the crash on 17 November on the A43, which resulted in the death of Sam Morris.
Bryce also admitted to having taken cocaine and cannabis the night before the fatal collision.
An investigation found that he crossed onto the wrong side of the road at around 7.30am and collided with a DAF truck, causing it to veer into the southbound carriageway and strike a Ford Courier van, driven by Morris.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Northamptonshire police said the lorry driver continues to suffer significant mental trauma and spelt the end of his 30-year driving career.
The incident left him with post-traumatic stress disorder and a trauma-induced neurological condition which causes seizures.
While on bail, Bryce was pulled over by police for an insurance check and he was given a drugs wipe test which came back positive for cannabis.
He was arrested again and was disqualified for 16 months.
At a sentencing hearing for the fatal collision, Bryce was jailed for five years and seven months for causing Morris’ death. He was also disqualified from driving for nine years and five months and for the charge of causing serious injury by careless driving/inconsiderate driving, he received a further 15 months to be served concurrently and disqualified from driving for three years, also concurrent.
