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13 Jan 2012
A lorry driver responsible for the
death of two men changing a tyre on the hard
shoulder of the M6 has been sentenced to 6 years behind bars.
Malcolm John Simpson (62) of Sycamore
Road, Barlby, Selby in
Yorkshire was convicted of two counts of
causing death by dangerous driving after a three day trial
at Chester Crown Court.
At 11.15am on Thursday 9th September 2010 Thomas Southward and
Philip Cawley were changing a tyre on the hard
shoulder of the M6 close to junction
17.
At the time a Scania HGV being driven by Simpson was travelling
North on the M6.
As he reached Bradwall near Sandbach, which is between Junction
17 and 18 he was seen to drive onto the hard
shoulder and collided with the two men.
Thomas was thrown forward into the line of traffic and was hit
by another HGV.
The terrible incident was caught on the Highways Agency's
CCTV
and showed the
vehicle drive onto the hard shoulder and back out and almost onto
the middle lane. It then drifted back into the hard shoulder where
it collided with the men.
The injuries
were extensive and proved fatal. The men were pronounced dead at
the scene.
Motorway Inspector Liz Cunningham said:
Had the driver paid the necessary and correct attention, this
tragic incident could have been avoided.
He was employed as a professional driver in a high risk
environment where the responsibility to other road users is
paramount.
As a Constabulary we are actively working to improve the
conditions for motorists on Cheshire roads alongside our partner
agencies and working to educate drivers in respect of the
consequences that their dangerous driving can cause.
This was a tragic incident which has left a hole in the lives of
two families. While the sentence will bring a sense of closure,
this will stay with the families of Thomas and Philip forever as
they try to come to terms with such a horrendous loss.
- Motorway Inspector Liz Cunningham, Cheshire
Constabulary
The families of both men said:
On the 9th September 2010 our families were devastated when we
were informed by the Police that Philip and Tommy had been killed
on the hard shoulder of the M6 north of Sandbach.
We have found this a very distressing and difficult sixteen
months for the enquiry to come to trial.
We would like to thank everyone who assisted at the time of the
incident, including the witnesses at the scene, Cheshire Police,
CPS in particular Simon Parry (Prosecuting barrister) and the
family liason officers who supported the families through this very
trying time.
- The families of Philip and Thomas
Following the conviction of Malcolm Simpson at Chester Crown
Court today the family have now asked to be afforded some privacy
to come to terms with their loss.
