Co Monaghan trucker whose ‘dangerous’ overtake killed young man in UK is jailed

Patrick Casey (22) of Cornamuckla, Broomfield, Castleblayney, was found guilty this week of causing death by dangerous driving on the A5 at Nesscliffe in Shropshire earlier this year.

He has been handed down a given a four-year and two-month custodial sentence for causing the death of 24-year-old Callum Powell on January 23, 2023.

Casey appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday (November 7) where the court was told Casey, who was driving a HGV, was overtaking another HGV on a single carriageway, before colliding with a Vauxhall Astra driven by Callum.

Callum, who was from Ruyton, Shropshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Casey was also handed a driving ban for seven years and one month.

Sergeant Alex Saxton, from the Operational Policing Unit based in Telford decribe the incident as a “tragic case, which has had a huge impact on all involved”.

“Sadly, the whole incident could have easily been avoided if different decisions were made by Casey when in control of vehicle with such power,” Sergeant Saxton said.

“I know this sentence won’t bring Callum back, but I hope it sends a message to other road users to be more considerate when using the roads, as actions can have devastating consequences.”

According to the Shropshire Star, Judge Anthony Lowe told Casey: "There is a significant responsibility on those who drive HGVs not to carry out potentially dangerous manoeuvres unless it is safe to do so.

"At 24 years old, his life was ended. A mother and father have lost their only son. A sister has lost her brother. No doubt countless others have been profoundly affected.

"No doubt this will haunt you for the rest of your life."

The court was told how Casey "had his head in his hands and was crying" at the scene of the fatal crash.

Footage of Callum's mother Sandra was played to the courtroom, as she told police how her son's death had "blown apart" her family.

However, referring to Casey she said "He has made a terrible mistake.

“He didn't mean to kill Callum. I'm sure he is going through hell, as we are.

"I know if it was the other way around, I don't think Callum could have lived with that on his conscience.

"I don't hate him or wish something awful would happen to him. It's just circumstances. Bad timing, bad judgement, bad outcome.”

The police said it was reminding motorists to follow the rules of the Highway Code when overtaking other vehicles.

This particularly applies when overtaking larger vehicles such as HGVs – to keep themselves and other road users around them safe.

Before overtaking, motorist are urged to make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead and only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so.

It is pointed out that overtaking large vehicles is more difficult and takes more time to pass - so make sure that you have enough room ahead to complete your overtaking manoeuvre.

“Always take extra care at night and in poor visibility when it is harder to judge speed and distance,” the advice reads.