Phillip Moore jailed for causing fatal collision on M6

Phillip Moore, 56, from Rochdale, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Stafford Crown Court for his involvement in a road traffic collision on the M6.

At around 4.40pm on 2 June 2015 Moore was driving his DAF articulated vehicle along the M6 southbound carriageway, just after junction 15, when he entered the hard shoulder and was in collision with the rear of a VW Sharan that was stationary, having broken down.

The driver of the VW had got out of his vehicle and was on the phone to the emergency services at the time but his 70-year-old disabled partner, Brenda Howe from Cheltenham, had remained in the vehicle.

The impact into the back of the VW caused it to be projected forwards and down the embankment. Ms Howe was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that Moore stated he had been distracted by changing a setting on his radio and during that time drifted onto the hard shoulder with catastrophic consequences.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing the death of Ms Howe by dangerous driving, and was sentenced to 42 months (3.5 years) imprisonment and 54 months (4.5 years) disqualification.

Sergeant Richard, Moors from the Central Motorway Policing Group Regional Collision Investigation Unit (based at Staffordshire Police), said: "As we have seen today even a momentary lapse of concentration, however brief, can end with tragic results.

"I would implore drivers to remain focused on their journey and not do anything which could distract them. I hope today's sentencing will help Brenda's family move forward."