HGV Driver Jailed for Fatal Crash in Huddersfield
Nicholas Liever, 49, was sentenced yesterday at Leeds Crown Court after causing a deadly crash in Huddersfield back in September 2019.
Deadly Crash on Eastbound Carriageway
Liever, from Clifton Road, Fishtoft, Lincolnshire, was behind the wheel of a Volvo HGV when he smashed into a Volkswagen Passat, an Iveco Vehicle Transporter, and a Volkswagen Touareg at around 10.40am on 5 September 2019.
The Passat’s driver, 51-year-old Karen McDonagh from Goole, sadly died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Distracted Driving Caught on Phone Records
Police investigations uncovered that Liever had been texting while driving right before the crash. He sent his last message around the time of impact.
Despite trying to delete his phone data, experts recovered the information, which played a key role in the case.
When questioned, Liever denied being distracted and claimed the accident was unavoidable. He later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Judge Hands Down 4 Years and 4 Months
Leeds Crown Court sentenced Liever to four years and four months behind bars.
“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,” said Detective Constable Jenny Stanley of the Major Collision Enquiry Team.
She added: “This is yet another example of how dangerous using a mobile phone at the wheel of a moving vehicle can be. Our sympathies remain with the family of Karen McDonagh, and we hope that this outcome will give them some comfort.”
