An HGV driver was found to be significantly distracted by explicit content on his mobile phone before causing a fatal collision that resulted in the death of a father of two in a motorway accident, as revealed in court proceedings.

Neil Platt, 43, was exposed to images of unclothed women on his social media feed just moments before the tragic incident near junction four of the M58 in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on May 17 of the previous year. The driver failed to observe the stationary traffic ahead, leading to a collision with a Hyundai Kona vehicle owned by 46-year-old Danny Aitchison, resulting in a fiery explosion upon impact.

During the trial at Preston Crown Court, it was disclosed that Platt continuously engaged with his phone while driving from Dumfries, Scotland, covering a three-hour journey along the M6 and later joining the westbound M58 carriageway.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC sentenced Platt to 10 years in prison, condemning his reckless and self-centered behavior behind the wheel. The judge emphasized that Platt’s preoccupation with his phone, including accessing X, TikTok, and YouTube, posed a significant hazard throughout his journey, labeling him as a potential disaster waiting to happen.

Platt, residing in Bootle, Merseyside, admitted guilt to the charge of causing Mr. Aitchison’s death. He will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence incarcerated and will face a seven-year driving ban following his release.

The fatal collision occurred shortly before 1 pm after authorities implemented a rolling roadblock due to a pedestrian sighting on the motorway. Despite the presence of stationary traffic, Platt only braked 35 meters away and a mere 1.5 seconds before the collision, as noted by the judge.

While no evidence indicated that Platt was actively seeking explicit content before the crash, the court highlighted his prioritization of social media over road safety. Judge Unsworth criticized Platt for his irresponsible and mindless actions, stressing the dangers of distracted driving, even for experienced individuals.

In his defense, Platt’s lawyer, Stephen McNally, portrayed his client as a remorseful individual with a family-oriented disposition. Despite having his phone mounted in front of him, the case underscored the severe repercussions of diverting attention away from the road, even for seasoned drivers.

Described as regretful and self-loathing for the devastation he caused, Platt, a veteran HGV driver, expressed deep remorse for his actions. The impact of Mr. Aitchison’s untimely death was heartbreakingly narrated by his family, who lamented the loss of a beloved figure and the profound void left in their lives.

The court heard emotional testimonies from family members, conveying their anguish over the delayed funeral proceedings due to the necessity of DNA tests for identification. The tragic consequences of Platt’s distracted driving reverberated through the courtroom, serving as a poignant reminder of the irreversible harm caused by such careless behavior.