Lorry driver used mobile moments before crash

A lorry driver who texted on his mobile phone just before crashing and causing injuries to his passengers has received a 15-month driving ban. He had passed his test only seven weeks before the accident.

At Worcester Magistrates' Court on 6 January, 24-year-old Thomas Lloyd admitted dangerous driving which led to a crash near the Spetchley roundabout, Worcester.

The court heard that Lloyd, of Bicton Avenue, St Peter's, Worcester, received calls and sent and received text messages just before crashing the 26-tonne Seddon Atkinson refuse truck on 28 July 2008.

The incident happened as Lloyd and his two passengers were heading to the Throckmorton waste depot near Pershore via the A44 after completing their round. All three suffered whiplash.

Lloyd worked as an agency driver for Focsa Services and had passed his LGV driving test seven weeks before the accident.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and given a 15-month driving ban. He was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.