A lorry driver has been sentenced after a crash on the A52 near Wrangle claimed the life of a 73-year-old man and left another seriously injured.
Paul Cook, 44, of Eve Balfour Way, Stowmarket, was behind the wheel of a DAF goods vehicle travelling west towards Boston at around 12.45pm on Thursday 1 May 2025 when the collision occurred.
As he approached a bend, Cook’s vehicle crossed the central road markings into the opposite carriageway, colliding with two oncoming vehicles. The lorry first struck the offside of a Land Rover Discovery before then crashing into a Vauxhall Astra travelling directly behind it.
The two occupants of the Astra were both seriously injured and taken to hospital. Tragically, front seat passenger Trevor Wigston, 73, died just over a week later as a result of his injuries.
An investigation by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, supported by forensic collision investigators, found no mechanical faults with Cook’s vehicle that could have contributed to the crash. Officers confirmed he was compliant with all legal requirements and training.
Dashcam footage and scene examinations showed the lorry had entered the opposing carriageway, with no opportunity for the driver of the Astra to take avoiding action.
When interviewed, Cook was unable to explain why his vehicle crossed the centre line. He told officers he had not been distracted, there were no issues with the road or vehicle, and he was in good health at the time.
Cook pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activity.
He has been disqualified from driving for two years and must pass an extended re-test before being allowed back on the road.
Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston, from Lincolnshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision was due to the careless driving of Cook when he failed to pay proper attention to the path of his vehicle through a bend. In traversing the centre line, he collided with two other vehicles with devastating results.
“The importance of concentration and careful control is clearly demonstrated in this case, especially when driving larger goods vehicles. Unfortunately, larger vehicles carry greater momentum and when collisions occur, their size always render them liable to causing greater injury to other parties. Therefore, drivers of such vehicles need to ensure they maximise their attention at all times.”
Following sentencing Trevor’s wife, Loraine, has issued the following tribute to her husband: “Trevor and I were married for 50 years and we raised 3 amazing children. We had many happy years together.
“We enjoyed our holidays, especially our cruises, which Trevor loved. Trevor loved our caravan we had in Skegness which we were on our way to for a few days when our lives changed forever.
“My husband was my life, he lived for his children and me. We are heartbroken beyond words that he is no longer here with us; with our faith we will carry him in our hearts until we meet again.
“As a family we will forgive Paul Cook one day when we can see past the pain.
“To Trevor, until we hold each other again, sleep tight my love, your Loraine and girls xx”
