A truck driver has been convicted after causing a fatal crash that led to the death of his British father, a tragedy linked to distractions from pornography. Police images show Neil Pratt seated in his vehicle, visibly distraught, following the May 2024 incident on a major motorway in Lancashire, located about 40 minutes from Liverpool.
Pratt, 43, was described as “a terrible distraction” when he failed to notice stopped traffic, crashing into a Hyundai Kona driven by Danni Aitchison. At the time of the collision, Aitchison was on the phone with his partner. His vehicle subsequently struck a tanker and burst into flames.
According to court details, during a three-hour journey from Scotland to Liverpool, Pratt was scrolling through explicit content and using various social media apps just seconds before the crash. His defense claimed he only checked his phone for the duration of the trip but was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Judge Ian Unsworth KC expressed deep concern over Pratt’s behavior, saying, “Your disregard for driving is astonishing. You chose to ignore road laws and showed no remorse.” He further criticized Pratt, stating he was “an accident waiting to happen.”
While there was no direct proof Pratt was actively seeking pornography at the time of the crash, the judge noted that truck drivers often prioritize distractions over road safety, emphasizing the irresponsibility of Pratt’s actions.
Following the accident, Aitchison’s partner, Kelly, recounted the last moments of their conversation before he passed. “He was just on his way home to us,” she shared. “Breaking the news to my kids has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” His daughter, Ella, remembered him as “a good man who loved his family deeply.”
Pratt’s lawyer, Stephen McNally, stated that his client feels deep regret for the trauma inflicted. He pointed out that despite having his phone in a cradle, the case serves as a cautionary tale about distractions for even the most seasoned drivers. The sentence entails that Pratt will serve two-thirds of his prison time and face a driving ban for seven years.
