An HGV driver was reportedly engrossed in explicit content on his mobile phone before causing a fatal accident that claimed the life of a father of two in a motorway collision. The court heard that Neil Platt was viewing images of unclothed women on a social media platform just moments before the tragic crash near junction four of the M58 in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, last year. Despite the stationary traffic ahead, the 43-year-old failed to react in time and collided with a Hyundai Kona vehicle driven by Danny Aitchison, 46, resulting in a fiery explosion upon impact.
During the court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that Platt had been consistently distracted by his phone while traveling from Dumfries, Scotland, along the M6 and subsequently onto the M58. Judge Ian Unsworth KC, sentencing Platt to 10 years in prison, criticized his reckless behavior, stating that Platt’s disregard for road laws and safety was astonishing. The judge emphasized that Platt’s prolonged distraction, which included browsing social media platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube, posed a significant risk throughout his journey.
Platt, a resident of Bootle, Merseyside, admitted guilt to causing Mr. Aitchison’s death and will serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence in custody. Additionally, he will face a seven-year driving ban upon release. The fatal collision occurred just before 1 pm following a police-ordered rolling roadblock in response to reports of a pedestrian on the motorway. Despite being in clear view of the queued traffic, Platt failed to brake in time, only doing so 35 meters away and a mere 1.5 seconds before impact.
Judge Unsworth highlighted that while there was no evidence of direct intent to search for explicit content, Platt’s focus on social media over road safety demonstrated a severe lack of judgment. The judge condemned Platt’s actions, noting that his irresponsible behavior of using a mobile phone while operating a heavy vehicle was incomprehensible. Platt, a seasoned HGV driver, expressed deep remorse for the consequences of his actions, acknowledging the tragic outcome of his negligence.
Family members of the victim, Danny Aitchison, shared their heartbreak and loss in court, describing him as a beloved figure who touched the lives of many. They expressed their devastation over the circumstances of his death and the profound impact it had on their lives. The court also heard about the delay in holding Aitchison’s funeral due to the need for DNA identification, adding further anguish to the family’s grief.