Death crash lorry driver jailed for two and a half years

A speeding lorry driver whose dangerous driving killed a much loved great-grandmother has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Jaroslaw Mieczan, 44, wept at Carlisle Crown Court on Friday 6 April as he was locked up for causing a head-on crash on the A689 near the city last November.

Maureen Smith, who was 86 and from Heads Nook, died at the scene from "multiple and catastrophic injuries".

Mieczan was said to have been wearing flip-flops as his left-hand drive wagon travelled at a "constant" 54mph - above the 50mph HGV limit - despite signs warning motorists to "reduce speed" and "slow".

He swerved suddenly to avoid a Ford Fiesta in front of him which was waiting to turn right for Irthington.

But in doing so he careered on to the wrong side of the road and into the path of Mrs Smith's oncoming Fiat Panda. She had no time to react or take evasive action.

A crown court jury heard Polish resident Mieczan should have been able to see the Fiesta in front for more than nine seconds before the fatal smash, and was probably "distracted".

He denied causing Mrs Smith's death by dangerous driving but was convicted, unanimously.

Jailing Mieczan, Judge Barbara Forrester told him: "These cases are a tragedy for all involved in them."

He was also handed a four-year driving ban and must pass an extended re-test.