Lorry driver took cocaine hours before fatal crash
TWO MEN DEAD AFTER HORROR COLLISION
A HUDDERSFIELD lorry driver, who took drugs hours before causing a fatal collision which killed two men, has been jailed.
Wayne Wellington, 41, of Sheepridge Road, Sheepridge, was sentenced to nine years for causing death by dangerous driving after his Daf lorry veered off the A34, near Bullington Cross, Hampshire, in July, 2018.
Winchester Crown Court heard drivers Vipin Kumar, 43, from Reading, and Kevin Ackrell, 49, from Trowbridge, in Wiltshire, had stopped on the hard shoulder to exchange details following a minor collision.
But, as the two men stood at the side of the carriageway, Wellington ploughed into Mr Ackrell’s van, which in turn hit both of them, causing serious injuries.
Mr Kumar was pronounced dead at the scene, and Mr Ackrell died in hospital three days later from his injuries.
Police investigators found Wellington had made no attempt to brake before the collision and the accelerator was at 100 per cent.
Drug tests also showed the former All Saints Catholic College pupil was over the legal limit for cocaine at the time of the collision.
Wellington was jailed for nine years and received a driving ban of ten years.
Detective Superintendent Tony Jenkins, of Hampshire’s
Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Wellington’s whole conduct was not only well below that you would expect of a professional driver, but of anyone using the road.
“Having taken drugs the night before, he essentially slid from his bed to the driver’s seat upon waking up and set about driving his lorry.
“His actions have had devastating consequences for the families of his victims.
“Their deaths could have easily been avoided.
“This must serve as a warning to all road users: do not get behind the wheel while impaired. It is not worth the risk, and your actions can and do have a lifelong impact on the families, friends and loved ones of those who die as a result.”