Man who caused fatal five vehicle crash in Norfolk jailed

James Porter, 23, had been travelling on the A1122 near Downham Market in a blue Vauxhall Nova when he drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic and into the path of an HGV.

Police at fatal crash scene (Image: Newsquest) The two vehicles collided, causing the HGV to veer offside into oncoming traffic.

A BMW was clipped by some debris and a VW Passat was briefly hit by the lorry before it struck an Iveco flatbed truck head on, causing "catastrophic" damage and killing the driver, 37-year-old Marcin Zablonty, instantly.

Marcin Zablotny (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) The driver of the HGV suffered multiple depressed fractures to his head which have resulted in facial disfigurement and has meant he has had to give up lorry driving.

Norwich Crown Court heard in the lead up to the crash Porter was recorded by a dashcam clapping both of his hands together.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh. Newsquest) He was also seen to be looking into his lap, leaning towards his passenger seat for about seven seconds and on occasion, drifting into the opposite lane of traffic.

Porter of Church Drove, Wisbech, appeared at court for sentence on Wednesday, October 10 having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving.

Fatal crash scene (Image: Newsquest) Jailing him for 30 weeks, Judge Alice Robinson said Porter had "repeatedly failed to pay attention to the road".

The court heard tributes from Zablotny's family which said he was "always smiling and laughing" and was "devoted to his family and friends which was the foundation of his life".

Porter, who was emotional in the dock, was also disqualified from driving for two years.

Speaking after the sentencing, serious collision investigator, Andy Hughes added: “Porter demonstrated a repeated failure to maintain control of his vehicle in the period leading to the collision.

“Porter's actions resulted in one man losing his life and another sustaining life changing injuries.

"The wider impact of this collision on their families cannot be described. It has left them all devastated but they remain dignified as they cope with consequences of his driving."

He added: "This case serves to remind all drivers, dashcam is a powerful tool in police investigations.

"Together with the statements of the other drivers who came forward, we were able to present a strong case against Porter.

"Poor driving will be captured and we will continue act in a positive manner to ensure the people of Norfolk can use the roads safely.”