A POLISH lorry driver, whose attempted u-turn on a busy dual carriageway resulted in the death of a 53-year-old man in January, has been jailed for five years.

Piotr Janowski, 49, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving during a trial at Winchester Crown Court earlier this month after his attempted u-turn on the A34 resulted in the death of Swindon resident Simon Shore.

The court heard how Mr Janowski, from Poland, attempted to turn his articulated lorry across the central reservation of the A34 after making a wrong turn earlier in his journey.

The maneuver meant Mr Janowski lorry was "parked across both northbound lanes" in "dark" and "unlit" conditions resulting in a collision with a Vauxhall Zafira - containing Mr Shore.

Three other people were seriously injured in the crash including a 13-year-old girl.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer PC Katherine Carr said: "My thoughts go out to Mr Shore's family and friends following this collision, which could so easily have been avoided if Mr Janowski had not carried out such a dangerous manoeuvre.

"At the time of the collision he was effectively parked across both northbound lanes.

"As the Vauxhall Zafira came over the brow of the hill, the driver was unable to stop or avoid a collision due to the obstruction caused by Mr Janowski's lorry.

"The Vauxhall was involved in a collision with the side of the trailer.

"That more people were not seriously injured is the only consolation to come from this case.

"We welcome that the sentence handed down by the court reflects the effect this collision has had on Mr Shore's family and friends."