HGV Driver Jailed for Causing Deadly Crash at Bullington Cross
An HGV driver has been locked up for nine years after a fatal crash at Bullington Cross killed two men. Wayne Wellington, 41, from Huddersfield, was behind the wheel of a Daf lorry on the A34 when disaster struck on July 3, 2018.
Tragic Collision on Hard Shoulder
Winchester Crown Court heard Vipin Kumar, 43, from Reading, and Kevin Ackrell, 49, from Wiltshire, had stopped on the hard shoulder following a minor collision. While exchanging details, Wellington smashed into Mr Ackrell’s van, which then hit both men.
Mr Kumar died instantly at the scene. Mr Ackrell passed away three days later in hospital.
Driver High and Reckless – No Brakes Applied
Police found Wellington was over the legal drug limit at the time. Investigators revealed he hadn’t even applied the brakes, with the accelerator jammed at full throttle. His actions shocked officials.
Wellington was handed a nine-year jail sentence, received a 10-year driving ban, and must pass an extended driving test before ever getting behind the wheel again.
Serious Collision Investigator’s Stark Warning
“Wellington’s conduct was not only well below that expected of any road user but utterly disgraceful for a professional driver,” said DS Tony Jenkins of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
“Having taken drugs the night before, he practically slid from bed to the driver’s seat and drove his lorry impaired.”
“His reckless actions led to devastating losses for two innocent families. These deaths could have been avoided.”
“Let this be a clear warning: never drive under the influence. The risk is not worth the lifelong impact it leaves on loved ones.”
