Overview

• Preston Crown Court sentenced Neil Platt, 43, for causing the May 17, 2024 death of Daniel Aitchison in a rear‑end collision near Skelmersdale.
• Platt was disqualified from driving for 13 years and eight months and must pass an extended test before regaining a licence.
• Evidence included in‑cab footage and a forensic review showing sustained phone use on apps such as X, TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook with pornographic images visible moments before impact.
• Travelling about 54 mph, he braked only 35 metres before hitting Aitchison’s stationary Hyundai, which was pushed into a second HGV and burst into flames, killing him.
• Victim statements said Aitchison’s partner was on a hands‑free call that cut off at the moment of the crash, as the judge called Platt a 'multi‑tonne accident waiting to happen.'