HGV Driver Jailed 10 Years for Fatal M58 Crash Distracted by Phone

Neil Platt, an HGV driver, was sentenced to ten years in prison for causing the death of Danny Aitchison in a fatal crash on the M58 near Skelmersdale. Platt was distracted by scrolling multiple social media apps, including X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, TikTok, and viewing pornographic content on his phone, which he had been using persistently during a three-hour journey. He failed to notice stationary traffic ahead, hitting Aitchison's car, which was pushed into another HGV and caught fire, killing Aitchison instantly. The crash occurred shortly after police had established a rolling roadblock due to a pedestrian on the motorway. The judge condemned Platt's "arrogant and selfish attitude" and noted he traveled over 100 miles in a highly distracted state. Platt was also disqualified from driving for over 13 years and must pass an extended driving test before resuming driving.