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49-year-old professional lorry driver had written three text messages and received two in the 15 minutes before the collision

A Judge speaking at the sentencing of Steven Welsh, who killed cyclist Gary Livingstone after driving his heavy goods vehicle dangerously said he hoped the death of a cyclist caused by a lorry driver using his mobile phone would send out a stark message to motorists.

Welsh - the lorry driver - was writing and receiving texts for the 15 minutes prior to hitting the 42-year-old cyclist on the A50, near Doveridge despite him wearing reflective clothing and having lights on both his bike and helmet. In the dock he said "I had no intention of going out and killing anybody and I just ask that the family will forgive me for what I have done."

Sarah Knight, prosecuting, said: "Prior to the fatal collision, the defendant hadn't been paying full attention to driving." Miss Knight said the 49-year-old professional lorry driver had written three text messages and received two in the 15 minutes before the collision "He stated to police he hadn't seen the cyclist at all as he momentarily reached to the side for a magazine as it occurred."

Jailing Welsh for two years and eight months, Judge Wait said: "This is an example of the tragedy caused to two families where life has been lost through misuse of mobile phones through driving."

Welsh, of Wolseley Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, was disqualified from driving for five years.

For the full article on the Derby Evening Telegraph website  click here