U-turn death driver found guilty

A lorry driver whose dangerous driving resulted in the death of a motorcyclist has been jailed for seven years.

Leicester Crown Court heard that Michael Spriggs, 49, of Hinckley Road Leicester, carried out a U-turn on the A512 near Loughborough last March.

The jury was told that Spriggs, who denied the charge, had been speaking on his mobile phone at about the time.

Motorcyclist Robert Ashley, 41, from Shepshed, collided with the lorry and suffered fatal injuries.

Lost control

Spriggs denied he was on his mobile phone at the time of the crash and blamed the motorbike's speed for the crash.

He also claimed the U-turn was a safe manoeuvre and described his driving ability as "impeccable".

Records showed Spriggs received a 48-second call at 13:28:08 BST, ending at 13:28:56 BST. The first 999 calls reporting the accident were at 13.30 BST.

Police crash investigators found it was impossible for the vehicle, a Volvo articulated tractor unit, to turn in one sweep.

The court heard Mr Ashley had been travelling at between 66 and 69 mph (106 kmh and 111 kmh) when he braked and only a highly experienced motorcyclist could have remained in control and stopped in time.