Lorry driver who caused a four-vehicle crash near Warwick in which a motorist was killed is facing an immediate prison sentence

A lorry driver who caused a four-vehicle crash in which a motorist was killed and led to a section of the M40 being shut for ten hours has been told he is facing an immediate prison sentence.

HGV driver Malcolm Clarkson, appearing at Warwick Crown Court over a video link from his solicitor’s office, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The charge follows a pile-up on the M40 northbound near to Warwick Services between junctions 12 and 13 at around 10.15 at night on November 19, 2019.

It involved a Scania HGV driven by Clarkson (44) of Cat Tail Lane, Southport, Merseyside, another articulated lorry, a van and a VW Golf driven by Scott McConnell, who was in his 20s.

When paramedics arrived they found Mr McConnell in a critical condition, and he was given emergency treatment before being rushed to hospital where he later died.

The crash and the police investigation into it led to the northbound carriageway being closed for around ten hours, only re-opening shortly before 8.30 the following morning.

Judge Anthony Potter adjourned sentencing for Clarkson to attend court after a pre-sentence report has been prepared on him by the probation service, and he was granted bail.

But Judge Potter made clear: “The only disposal which will be available to the court will be a sentence of immediate custody.”