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Neil Platt, a HGV driver from Bootle in Merseyside, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the death of Daniel Aitchison, a father-of-two, in a tragic accident on the M58 motorway. The court heard that Platt was “heavily distracted” by pornography on his phone, specifically images of naked women on the social media app X, just moments before the fatal crash occurred at junction four near Skelmersdale, Lancashire.
Mr. Aitchison, 46, was killed instantly when Platt’s HGV collided with his stationary Hyundai Kona car, pushing it into the back of a tanker, causing it to burst into flames. Judge Ian Unsworth KC condemned Platt’s actions as being reckless and selfish, stating that he was a “multi-tonne accident waiting to happen” with his persistent phone use while driving. Platt had been scrolling through various apps, including WhatsApp, X, YouTube, and TikTok, during his journey from Dumfries to Liverpool.
In a heartbreaking victim impact statement read in court, Mr. Aitchison’s partner Kerry described the devastating moment she was informed of his death. She recalled the sunny day when she received the news, with the sound of children playing in the garden in stark contrast to the heartbreaking reality of the loss she and her family were facing. The statement highlighted the profound and lasting impact of losing a loved one in such a tragic and preventable manner.
Platt, who will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being banned from driving for seven years upon release, faced heartfelt statements from Mr. Aitchison’s daughter and mother, underscoring the immeasurable loss and pain caused by his actions. Ella, the 17-year-old daughter, described her father as a “good man driven by family,” while Jeannette, Mr. Aitchison’s mother, portrayed him as a strong and dedicated family man. Lancashire Police emphasized the importance of highlighting the dangers of using a phone while driving and the tragic consequences that can result from such reckless behavior
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