A lorry driver was discovered to be exchanging text messages while driving, causing the death of a nurse in a multiple-vehicle crash on the M62.
Nicholas Liever, 49, was driving a Volvo HGV when it smashed into a Volkswagen Passat, an Iveco Vehicle Transporter and a Volkswagen Touareg at around 10.40am on September 5, 2019.
Karen McDonagh, 51, the driver of the Passat, suffered fatal injuries, Yorkshire Live reports.
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An investigation by the Major Collision Enquiry Team revealed that Liever was exchanging text messages in the time leading up to the collision, with the last one sent around the time of the crash.
But during an interview, Liever,lied and told police that he was not distracted at the time of the crash and claimed the incident, between Junction 22 for Rishworth Moor and Junction 23, was unavoidable.
He had also attempted to delete the data from his phone to hide the incriminating evidence - but it was retrieved by a specialist investigator.
Liever, of Clifton Road in Fishtoft, Lincolnshire, has since pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for four years and four months at Leeds Crown Court.
Speaking after he had been sentenced, Detective Constable Jenny Stanley, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: "This is yet another example of how dangerous using a mobile phone at the wheel of a moving vehicle can be.
"Liever has admitted responsibility for causing this collision and now has some time to reflect on his actions, which resulted in the death of a much-loved family member and impacted on the lives of those involved in what was a traumatic incident.
"Our sympathies remain with the family of Karen McDonagh and we hope that this outcome will give them some comfort."
In 2019, Karen McDonagh's sister sent a message to some of the drivers complaining about the queues caused by the accident, stating they could have shown more compassion.
Debbie Clowes Yelland released a heartfelt tribute to her sister, describing her as "gorgeous, vibrant, fierce, funny and lovely" and said the days following her death "have been the most difficult I have experienced."
In a social media post, Debbie addressed the drivers caught in the delays, stating many were "compassionate and understanding" and "put their own discomfort to one side, with their concern for Karen and our extended family and friends."
Debbie continued: "Unfortunately, there were many comments by people complaining about the delays.
"For anyone who happens to read this, I'm appealing to you to look at the bigger picture next time you are stuck in traffic that's not moving anywhere.
"You may be late for work, but you will get there eventually. You may have to miss an appointment, but you can make another.
"You may not get home in time to tuck your children in their beds tonight, but you will be there tomorrow.
"You may miss a concert, but there will be plenty more in the future. You might miss a flight and be delayed getting away on holiday, but there will be plenty more opportunities for you to travel.
"Some will never have any of these opportunities again. Please, if you can be anything, be kind, be thoughtful and send out positive thoughts and love to those unfortunate enough to delay you."
She added: "Please feel free to share this, let's spread compassion and kindness."
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