HGV driver gets seven-year jail term after causing collision that killed police officer

A lorry driver who caused a collision that killed a police officer has been jailed for seven years.

PC Tris Baker (pictured), 41, was off duty when the car he was driving was struck by a lorry on the A1060 in Roxwell, Essex on 23 September 2021.

The HGV driver, Robert Harrison, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the serious collision investigation unit.

As part of the investigation it transpired that Harrison was vulnerable to falling asleep in monotonous situations such as driving on a familiar road.

The trucker slept between five and six hours per night and required strong doses of caffeine in order to carry out his job.

Harrison, 38, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court and he also received a five-year driving ban.

Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, who led the investigation, said: “Tristan was a much loved family man and colleague and is dearly missed by those who knew him.

“My thoughts, and those of my team, are with his partner Faye and his family.

“His death was completely avoidable.

“Robert Harrison's actions were reckless and had devastating, tragic consequences and will now face the foreseeable future in prison as a result.

“While no sentence will ever change what has happened I hope today’s outcome will bring some comfort to those close to Tris.”