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HGV Driver Jailed for 10 Years Over M62 Crash That Killed Two Ryanair Pilots

Court findings cited CCTV plus tachograph data showing late braking at high speed in heavy rain.

Overview

  • Anthony Burns, 63, admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to serve at least two thirds of a 10-year term.
  • He received a 150-month driving ban and must pass an extended retest before returning to the road.
  • The taxi carrying pilots Jamie Fernandes, 24, and Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, was stationary in a queue near Warrington after gantry warnings when Burns struck it at around 56mph, braking less than a second before impact.
  • The judge noted torrential rain and an inappropriate speed for conditions, with no evidence of phone use, drink or drugs, as the defense described Burns as being on “autopilot.”
  • Uber driver Rashid Mehmood survived with serious injuries and has been unable to work, and Cheshire Police urged motorists to heed overhead warnings and remain alert.