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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Katie Weston

Lorry driver on phone admits causing deaths of three motorists in horror crash

A lorry driver has admitted causing the deaths of three motorists in a crash that happened while he was using his phone.

Michal Kopaniarz, of Donnington, Shropshire, entered guilty pleas at Winchester Crown Court to three charges of causing death by dangerous driving.

The 40-year-old also admitted perverting the course of justice by destroying a Samsung mobile he was using at the time of the smash, which happened on the A303 near Andover, Hampshire, on August 25 2021.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said previously: "The collision involved a Vauxhall Astra, a Mercedes food delivery van, a HGV and a DAF recovery truck.

Alex Britton, 28, Tom Watson, 30, and 58-year-old Tina Ince all died in the collision (Hampshire Police)

"Sadly, Alex Britton, 28, from Portsmouth, Tina Ince, 58, from Southampton, and Tom Watson, 30, from Southampton, all from separate vehicles, were pronounced dead at the scene."

Simon Jones, prosecuting, told the court: "This defendant knew in August 2021 that it was his dangerous driving that caused the death of three people and he knew that his destruction of his phone was done with a specific purpose."

Samantha Ball, defending, said: "Mr Kopaniarz is taking full responsibility for what happened that day."

Judge Angela Morris adjourned the case for sentencing on February 24 and remanded Kopaniarz in custody until then.

Kopaniarz also admitted perverting the course of justice (file photo of Winchester Crown Court) (Daily Mirror)

She also imposed an interim driving disqualification.

She said Kopaniarz "knew he would be pleading guilty" in what is a "very sensitive and serious case" and arrived at court promptly.

"But having now pleaded guilty to such serious matters as these, I note there have been concerns in relation to his mental health, quite understandably given the nature of the offences he has pleaded guilty to," she said.

"It seems to me in those circumstances that bail must be withdrawn at this stage. The defendant will now be remanded in custody."

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