Man 'sneezed' before fatal crash

A lorry driver charged with causing the deaths of a family by dangerous driving has told a court he could not avoid the crash as he sneezed moments before it.

Neil Margerison, 23, of Ribchester Road, Clayton-Le-Dale, Blackburn denied the charges at Lincoln Crown Court.

Flt Lt Neville Rees, 43, his wife Karen, 41, and their son Andrew, 11, died on the A17 Sleaford Road in Cranwell on 5 January.

But prosecutors said the driver did not make the claim until after the crash.

Speed question

Michael Fowler, prosecuting, said Mr Margerison did not make the claim about sneezing until two weeks after the crash and not when questioned 90 minutes after the incident.

The court heard that on the day of the crash, Mr Margerison left Lancashire in the early hours of 5 January to pick up a consignment of potatoes in Lincolnshire.

He said he was unable to recall his speed on the A17 but insisted Mr Rees' car hit the lorry in front before being struck by his own vehicle.

The trial continues.