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Driver jailed after couple die
Page 9
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A FORMER OWENS Road Services truck driver has been jailed for two years after his truck crashed into a car, killing its two occupants on the M4 last November. Lawrence Buxton, of Birchgrove, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court.
The court heard how Buxton was travelling along the westbound carriageway near Junction 41 when he lost control of his 11.5-tonner. It crossed the central reservation and crashed into a Ford Mondeo travelling on the eastbound carriageway, killing newlyweds Malcolm and Melanie Mallace instantly.
Prosecutor Patrick Griffiths told the court that David Leach, who was driving a van along the westbound carriageway, saw the truck suddenly brake hard after overtaking him, but he could see no reason for this. The vehicle then began to fish-tail and swerved to the right.
Examinations of the truck after the crash had revealed no pre-existing mechanical defects that could have caused or contributed to the crash.
Defending Buxton. Kevin Riordan told the court: "To this day he cannot give any real explanation why he suddenly braked as he did. His error of judgement was he cause of this accident."
Judge Christopher Morton also sentenced Buxton to a four-year driving ban.
Duncan Kiley, general manager of Llanelli-based Owens says: "The vehicle involved in the accident and our serving practices were examined for six months. We were found to have a 100% clear record exonerating us of the accident. The issue was then between the police and the driver; the rule of law prevailed.
"Our thoughts go out to the families of the deceased "