Livestock driver jaded for fatality
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by Ellen Campbell • A livestock lorry driver who fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a car killing a mother of three has been jailed for six months.
Julian Fricker, of Cosmore, Dorchester had detoured for 400 miles to avoid animal rights demonstrators when the accident happened near his home. His Volvo swung into the path of an oncoming Nissan Sunny, killing driver Elizabeth Slater, 60, instantly.
Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Fricker had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving and to another charge of careless driving. Not guilty pleas were accepted on eight other allegations.
David Bartlett, defending, said Fricker was constantly afraid of the protesters who were demonstrating against live animal exports and was unable to sleep in his cab at night for fear of being attacked.
He said: "This man was extremely upset by the animal rights protesters. He needed to consult a doctor for stress."
Fricker gave up driving after the accident and bought a snooker table repair business.
Judge John Beashall, disqualified him from driving for three years in addition to the six-month jail term.
The judge said: "You were a professional driver driving one of the largest and heaviest vehicles allowed on our roads, and you were towing a trailer.
"It was admitted you did not have sufficient rest. You were tired and driving too fast.. .because of your dangerous driving Mrs Slater was killed."
He added: "This is a tragic case but I must rule that only an immediate custodial sentence will do."