A lorry driver claimed a sneezing fit caused him to crash into a car on the A1 killing its driver from Stamford

Raymond Buff, 55, ploughed into the back of a Volkswagen Golf after failing to stop for stationary traffic near Eaton Socon on December 9, 2019, Cambridgeshire Police said.

Author: Iona Stewart-RichardsonPublished 4th May 2022

A lorry driver claimed a sneezing fit caused him to crash into a car on the A1, killing its driver from Stamford.

Raymond Buff, 55, ploughed into the back of a Volkswagen Golf after failing to stop for stationary traffic near Eaton Socon on December 9, 2019, Cambridgeshire Police said.

The car's 39-year-old driver, Matthew Mitchell, of Stamford in Lincolnshire, died in hospital the following day.

Buff, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, claimed to police at the scene that he had a sneezing fit which prevented him from seeing the traffic in time.

He admitted causing death by careless driving and was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court to nine months in prison, Cambridgeshire Police said.

Detective Sergeant Mark Dollard said: "Mr Buff was a professional, experienced HGV driver, but he was responsible for the collision on the A1 and the subsequent death of Mr Mitchell.

"Mr Buff claimed he failed to react to congested traffic owing to a sneezing fit.

"This highlights the importance of being always aware of your surroundings while driving, and this is even more important if you are driving a lorry."

Buff was also disqualified from driving for a year.

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