Builders' merchant fined after planks kill driver

A major building supplies company has been fined £2m after loose timber fell from one of its lorries killing the driver of a passing car.

Jack Stevens, 28, was driving his BMW along the A26 in Newhaven in May 2020 when a wood plank fell from a Travis Perkins lorry and went through his windscreen.

The father-of-three, from Burgess Hill, was described as "kind and caring with a unique sense of humour" by his parents.

Travis Perkins Trading Company Limited previously pleaded guilty to three offences under health and safety laws and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Thursday.

Despite a corporate document about lorry safety stating "we always properly secure loads before travel" the timber was not banded together and was secured using only one ratchet strap.

The court heard how there had been several previous incidents where building materials had fallen from Travis Perkins lorries.

In April 2019, three steel bars hit another vehicle, while months earlier corrugated pipes "blew off the back" of a separate lorry.

Prosecution barrister Richard Keller accused the company of doing "very little in response."

He said that Mr Stevens' children have suffered "extreme anxiety" since their father's death.

Defence barrister Kate Brunner KC said the company takes "full responsibility for the events that led to the death of Mr Stevens".

In a statement, Mr Stevens' parents said: "Whilst today brings some justice for Jack, we will never forget our kind and dear son who we all miss so very much. Rest in peace Jack."

Lewes District Council hopes its decision to bring a prosecution "sends a strong message" to businesses.

Deputy leader Christine Robinson said: "While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr Stevens, a much-loved father-of-three, died in this entirely preventable case."

Travis Perkins said it has "cooperated fully" and "accepts the decision of the court".

It said it has carried out an internal investigation and implemented "enhanced" training, adding: "We strive to ensure an incident like this is never repeated."

Additional reporting by PA Media

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