Lorry driver jailed for 12 years for killing three in crash while on mobile phone
Michal Kopaniarz destroyed his phone in a bid to hide evidence
Last updated 27th Feb 2023
A lorry driver who killed three people in a crash in Hampshire, because he was on his mobile phone, has been jailed for 12 years.
28-year-old Alex Britton from Portsmouth and 58-year-old Tina Ince and 30-year-old Tom Watson, both from Southampton, died following the collision on the A303 near Andover on August 25th, 2021.
All three were in separate vehicles which were struck by the HGV, being driven by Michal Kopaniarz.
Mr Watson and Ms Ince had stopped to help Ms Britton, whose car had broken down, at the time of the crash.
All three were killed instantly.
39-year-old Kopaniarz, of Park Road in Donnington, Shropshire, had pleaded guilty to three charges of causing death by dangerous driving during a previous hearing at Winchester Crown Court.
He also admitted to perverting the course of justice by destroying and attempting to discard the mobile phone he was using at the time of the crash.
In addition to his jail sentence, Kopaniarz has also been handed a sixteen-year driving ban.
Detective Constable Cate Paling, the lead investigator of the Hampshire Roads Policing Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was a catastrophic loss of life.
"Kopaniarz killed three people because he was using his mobile phone and not paying attention to the road.
"The devastating consequences of his selfish actions have torn three families apart.
"While the sentence passed today will not heal their pain, we are pleased our investigation has provided answers and justice to the loved ones of Alex, Tina and Tom.
"More than anything I hope other drivers who think there is no harm in using their phone while driving will consider this case and learn from it.
"Nothing on your phone could ever be important enough to risk killing another person.
"I hope the dedication of our officers in this case proves how committed we are to catching dangerous drivers and holding them accountable for the lives they ruin."
Paying tribute to Tom, the Watson family said:
"On the 25th August 2021, all our lives changed forever following the actions of Michal Kopaniarz.
"Losing Tom in the way we did was shocking and devastating for all our family. Words seem so useless when trying to explain the extent of our loss. We are a small family and Tom was a special part of it, his absence is felt very deeply.
"We are now left trying to adjust our lives without him by our sides, but we know we must try to carry on and support each other through this.
"Enduring the trial has been very difficult and brought back many memories of Tom. We would like to thank everyone for their support as we continue our journey of grieving our Tom.
"We will respect the court's decision but no sentence will ever compensate us for Tom's life. We all now must try and move forward knowing that we have a lifetime ahead of us without Tom."
The Britton family added:
"Alex was a beautiful person, both inside and out.
"She was kind and thoughtful, sensitive but strong and had a wicked sense of humour. She would do anything for anyone and was amazingly caring. It is fair to say that everyone needs a friend like Alex in their lives.
"She was an amazing mummy to her two young daughters, aged just three years and 17 months when she was taken away from them. Alex was a big family person with a heart of gold and absolutely adored her girls. They were her life and she would do anything and everything for them.
"Alex's passing has left a massive hole in all of our hearts and we have all lost our much loved mummy, daughter, fiancée, sister, auntie and friend. A deep sense of loss is always with us and it is hard to imagine life without Alex.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go to the families of Tina and Tom who stopped to help Alex and who also lost their lives. No words will ever be enough.
"This is a serious message to all those who think driving and being on a mobile phone is okay. Whether in a car, van or HGV, the consequences can be catastrophic."
Tina Ince's daughter Melissa said:
"It has been an extremely long, and difficult, process to get to this stage.
"No court sentence will ever be enough to make up for the loss of my mum and the other loved ones who died that day. However, I am relieved that justice has been served and the person responsible for this tragedy has finally been held accountable for his actions."