Trucker jailed for porn-distraction crash that killed British father on Lancashire highway

A veteran trucker was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a fatal May 2024 crash on a Lancashire highway that authorities said occurred when he was heavily distracted by explicit material on his phone. Neil Platt, 43, of Bootle, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Danni Aitchison, a 46-year-old husband and father of two who was on a call with his partner when his Hyundai Kona was struck on the M58. Aitchison died when his car was pushed into a tanker and engulfed in flames.

Investigators said Platt blew past traffic at a standstill before colliding with Aitchison’s vehicle, which then slammed into a tanker and burst into flames. Aitchison’s partner, Kerry, said the call with him suddenly cut as the crash unfolded, while his daughter Ella described him as a loving father who lived for his family. Platt, a veteran driver described by authorities as “heavily distracted,” later sat in his truck with his head in his hands as police photos captured the moment the wreckage burned.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard that Platt had been repeatedly checking social media during the roughly three-hour drive from Scotland to Liverpool and had “naked photos flashing” on his X feed seconds before the crash. Prosecutors said he persistently viewed WhatsApp, X, YouTube and TikTok during the journey, and his defense contended that he only glanced at the phone to gauge travel time. There was no evidence presented that he was actively searching for explicit material at the moment of impact.

Lancashire Police and the court noted that Platt’s explanation for using his phone did not diminish the danger his actions posed. Judge Ian Unsworth KC described the defendant’s driving as arrogant and self-centered, and he said the crash illustrated that even a seasoned driver can become an “accident waiting to happen” when attention is diverted from the road. Platt was sentenced to 10 years in prison, will serve two-thirds of the term in custody, and is banned from driving for seven years upon release.

Kerry Aitchison said she and the couple’s children were left to cope with the sudden loss, adding that he had been “coming home to me and the kids” when the call ended. Ella Aitchison, his daughter, paid tribute to her father as a good man who loved life and his family. Platt’s lawyer, Stephen McNally, stated that his client was genuinely remorseful and that the case offers a stark reminder that even the most experienced drivers must maintain full attention on the road. The defense noted that the mobile device was in a cradle and in front of him, but emphasized that the incident serves as an object lesson about the consequences of distracted driving.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about driver inattention and its potentially catastrophic outcomes on busy highways. Authorities said the investigation highlighted how easily a momentary distraction can escalate into a deadly crash, even when a driver believes their actions are routine. Platt’s punishment reflects the severity with which the court views distracted driving that results in fatal harm, and it adds to a growing global conversation about road safety and the responsibilities of professional operators on crowded roadways.