A LORRY driver from Romania has been sent to prison for four and a half years and given a six year driving ban for killing motorcyclist Paul Garner on the A282 in West Thurrock, Essex on September 18 last year.
Stana Caltun, 35, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday January 27 and pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The police investigation showed that Ms Caltun had been using her mobile phone when she drifted from lane two to lane one and fatally struck Mr Garner. She been on a call for seven minutes when the accident occurred. Her phone records show she had also made several other calls while driving that day.
Police discovered that after the collision Ms Caltun deleted data her phone in an attempt to hide what she had been doing. She had also been using a device that interfered with lorry’s tachograph.
Speaking after the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Scott Egerton said: ‘The use of a mobile phone whilst driving an articulated goods vehicle was utterly irresponsible and dangerous.
‘This case must serve as a warning to any driver who uses their mobile phone of the risk they take, the consequences they face and the hurt they can cause.’
- Sign up for Visordown's weekly newsletter, Bugsplat, to get the best motorcycle news, road tests and features plus exclusive competitions and offers direct to your inbox. Register as a Visordown member here and tick the box for Bugsplat in your newsletter settings here.
