Lorry driver crashed into prison van on A27 near Lewes after texting at wheel

A lorry driver has been jailed for greater than three years for critically injuring three folks in a crash whereas he was texting.

Derek Holland, 59, was on his cellphone when he ploughed the big car right into a stationary jail van at practically 60mph on the A27 close to Lewes.

It was the devastating end result of 42 ‘very poor driving’ incidents from Holland in his four-hour journey, which included taking each fingers off the wheel to peel a banana.

He additionally used a reproduction seatbelt buckle and solely put his precise belt on when he pulled up behind a police automotive.

A severe collision investigator known as it ‘the worst case of extended distracted driving that I’ve seen’.

Holland admitted harmful driving and three counts of inflicting severe harm by harmful driving when he appeared at Hove Crown Court docket yesterday.

Footage from two cameras inside Holland’s truck revealed ‘virtually persistent’ use of his cell on August 10 final 12 months.

He leaned over his wheel to make use of it as he careered in the direction of a safety van, which had damaged down in lane one of many westbound twin carriageway at 10.55am.

Three occupants – the driving force, a jail escort and a prisoner – had been all injured.

Clips had been launched by Sussex Police together with startling footage of the crash.

In an interview with officers he admitted his behaviour was ‘atrocious’.

Choose David Rennie stated Holland had confirmed regret and was ‘clearly ashamed’ by his ‘appalling’ driving.

The choose stated: ‘You had no consideration for public security or for the legislation. Very clearly, there was no one else accountable apart from your self for inflicting this collision.

‘When somebody drives with their fingers off the wheel, utilizing a cell phone, driving whereas utilizing their elbows and consuming on the identical time, it’s a continuation of harmful driving.’

Detective sergeant Rob Baldwin stated: ‘It was lucky that the corporate had put in cameras on their lorry, which allowed us to look at the driving force’s actions. The corporate totally co-operated with our investigation.