A lorry driver has been jailed for almost five years for causing a collision that killed a man on the A1 near Peterborough.
Cambridge Crown Court heard that Mindaugas Borisas, 56, was driving a Mercedes lorry on the southbound carriageway, between Stibbington and Water Newton, on July 30 last year when he piled into the back of a Skoda Octavia estate that had was stationary in queuing traffic.
The momentum of the collision meant another lorry, a blue Kia Cee’d estate and a Mercedes Van, were also involved in a domino effect.
The Skoda was driven by Geoff Brock, 73, of Hillcrest, Bar Hill, near Cambridge, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
There were no other injuries.
Borisas remained at the scene and was arrested before giving a “no comment” interview.
Borisas, of Pennygate, Spalding, Lincolnshire, was jailed for four years and nine months, having pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was also banned from driving for 12 years and five months.
Detective Inspector Craig Wheeler said: “I hope this shocking, tragic and completely avoidable collision serves as a reminder to everyone to the devastating consequences of losing concentration when they’re driving.
“For whatever reason, which only Borisas will know, his inattention caused a catastrophic collision, which left a trail of destruction and a family without a loved one. Quite simply, this collision should never have happened.
“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Brock and whilst no sentence passed will ever ease the pain of their loss, I hope this sentence provides some kind of closure to this horrendous ordeal.”
Mr Brock’s family paid tribute to him in a statement which said he was a man who was “at the heart of our family”.
The added: “Geoff is sorely missed by all who knew him. As we move forward from the sentencing, our focus remains on supporting each other and cherishing the memory of the wonderful and kind man that he was.
“We ask that our privacy continue to be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
