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A lorry driver who crashed into a school mini bus, after using his mobile phone at the wheel, has been jailed for 8 years and 10 months, for killing a boy and his teaching assistant.
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School boy Joe Cairns, 14, and teaching assistant Anne Kerr, 50, died in the crash on the M58, near junction 3 at Bickerstaffe, during their journey to school on January 8th 2019.
Preston Crown Court heard that HGV driver James Majury, 33, ploughed his 19-tonne truck into the stationary mini bus at 55mph, after scrolling on Facebook and reading a text message.
The court was told how Majury, of Milton Road, Coppull, reacted just half a second before the fatal collision, which resulted in a seven-car pileup and seriously injured five others.
Majury was given the sentence today after pleading guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and a further five counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Joe’s mum told us of the last journey her son took that day, in the hope it makes others think about the consequences of using a phone whilst driving, and the devastating repercussions.
The consequences of this crime have had a devastating effect on Anne and Joe’s family. In this video, Anne’s husband tells of the awful moments leading up to finding out about the death of his wife.
Prosecuting Francis McEntee said: “Majury was effectively driving with his eyes closed.”
Joe’s mother spoke to us about the shattering effect on the whole of Joe’s family and friends.
Joe’s mother spoke to us about the shattering effect on the whole of Joe’s family and friends.
The judge Robert Altham described the crash as an “apocalyptic scene”.
We’re calling for the public to take heed of the messages in this case and understand the devastating effect #TextDriving can have. These deaths are completely needless and avoidable. Don’t text and drive.
The court result today can never bring back Joe and Anne or take the immeasurable pain away from their families. Our hope is that by sharing their story, it will make others think twice about picking up that phone whilst driving.
Several cars were caught in the pile up and several others were injured, including the driver of this van. The minutes prior to the devastating crash were caught on the dash cam here and you can see Joe and Anne’s mini-bus being overtaken on the left.
Joe's dad had this heartfelt plea to the public.
