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Death of TM workman ends in three year sentence for lorry driver

Ryan Gregg was one of a crew laying cones at night on the A1 near Catterick, North Yorkshire in June 2010 when he was hit by the vehicle driven by Graeme Phillpott, 51,of Grantham, Lincs.  The 18-year-old workman from Northumberland, was seriously injured and later died in hospital.

Lack of attention over a significant period

Following earlier conviction at Teesside Crown Court Mr Phillpott has now been jailed and disqualified for driving for three years. The hearing heard that he failed to take any action to avoid the stationary Highways Agency vehicle, which was fully lit and had a flashing arrow. The vehicle would have been visible for 29 seconds.

He denied that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and claimed he was distracted momentarily. Judge Tony Briggs said: “The effect was to cause your attention to wander and it was a lack of attention over a significant period. Ian Bridge, defending, said Phillpott was “horrified” that he had caused the death.

Mr Gregg, who was working part-time prior to joining the army, was described by the judge as a young man of “very considerable promise”.

The judge accepted that Phillpott was of previous good character.

This article was posted on 24th March 2011 in ALL LATEST NEWS, PROSECUTIONS, ROADWORKS, roadworks.
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