Lorry driver jailed for A1 crash death

Former Army driver Graeme Phillpott did not take any action to avoid the stationary Highways Agency vehicle, which was fully lit and had a flashing arrow, as he drove his articulated truck north.

Ryan Gregg, 18, from Ashington, Northumberland, was in the crew working at the scene on June 24 last year and was seriously injured. He died later in hospital.

Phillpott, from Bitchfield, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial last month at Teesside Crown Court.

He accepted he was to blame for the collision, but disputed his driving was dangerous, claiming he was momentarily distracted.

Ian Bridge, defending, said in mitigation: “He is horrified that he should have played a part in the cause of the death of a young man of the character of Ryan Gregg.”

The teenager was working with two colleagues putting out signs and cones in a section of northbound roadworks. He was working part-time prior to joining the Army.

Judge Briggs jailed Phillpott for three years and disqualified him from driving for the same period.