Truck driver in fatal crash given two years in prison

A truck driver convicted of causing death by dangerous driving has been sent to prison for two years.

Carlisle Crown Court was told that at about 5.20am on 8 September 2016 Ashley Cole of Mellor Lea Farm, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, was driving an artic that was involved in a fatal collision with an Audi A4 driven by Jamie Armstrong, 30, of Haltwhistle, Northumberland. Cole, 56, had parked at Stainmore Cafe on the A66 at Brough to rest and was attempting to manoeuvre his vehicle onto the westbound carriageway to continue his journey when he saw two HGVs travelling on the westbound carriageway.

Cole then had to wait to join the carriageway and, in doing so, his vehicle was blocking the eastbound carriageway. Armstrong’s Audi, which was travelling eastbound, collided with the trailer and he suffered fatal injuries.

Although he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, an investigation found that even if he had been this would not have prevented his fatal injuries. Cole denied that his driving had been dangerous, causing the death of Armstrong, but he was found guilty. Sergeant Claire Sampson of Cumbria Police’s mobile support group said: “This case is tragic for everyone involved. Jamie Armstrong was given no opportunity to avoid this collision.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Armstrong. We would like to thank them for the dignity and patience they have shown throughout this investigation.”

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