A LORRY driver has admitted killing a father-to-be in an horrific crash on the A14 - and been told that he faces a jail term.Andrew Courtney, of Harwich, died when the HGV he was driving was hit by another lorry.

By James Mortlock

A LORRY driver has admitted killing a father-to-be in an horrific crash on the A14 - and been told that he faces a jail term.

Andrew Courtney, of Harwich, died when the HGV he was driving was hit by another lorry. The collision happened on the westbound carriageway at Newmarket last August.

Simon Shepherd, 36, of Bushfield Court, Peterborough, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Emergency services were already at the scene dealing with an earlier accident when the lorries collided and also smashed into a parked ambulance, which was empty at the time.

Firefighter Richard Clarke said: “It was just an unbelievable scene. It was incredibly lucky no-one from the emergency services was killed or injured. It just shows the dangers we face working on roads like the A14.”

Mr Courtney, 36 was due to become a father a few months after he was killed. He was declared dead at the scene.

His wife Pauline paid tribute to her husband in the days following the crash.

She said: “Andrew was a loving husband who was hard working and who loved his job as a driver.

“He was looking forward to becoming a dad in December and he will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”

Shepherd was also injured and taken to hospital but released later that day.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 8. Shepherd was released on bail but given an interim driving disqualification.

Speaking at his court case last week, Judge David Goodin said: “It is a grave offence and inevitably you'll be sent to prison.”