Sophie Waugh jailed for six years eight months after causing the death of cyclist Ian Morris whilst using social media.
The incident happened in North Yorkshire on the A6055 road near Thirsk. Waugh drove a Ford Focus that hit Mr. Morris while he was riding his bike. The crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. on June 28, 2023.
A witness driving behind Waugh saw her car hit Mr. Morris. The witness stated that the Ford Focus veered into the cyclist and struck him from behind.
Police found details on Waugh’s phone showing she used Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook between 2:12 p.m. and 2:24 p.m.. She had 57 separate activities on her phone before the crash.
Waugh worked at Alanbrooke Barracks in the Royal Logistics Corp. Her lawyer said she was well-regarded, and she has two young children now cared for by her mother. The lawyer added that Waugh takes full responsibility.
The judge noted that Mr. Morris was cycling normally that day when Waugh’s car hit him without warning. He died due to the impact of the crash after being married for almost 50 years. His family clearly loved him very much.
The judge believed Waugh was truly sorry, despite her persistent phone use while driving. This dangerous driving led to Mr. Morris’s death.
Besides the prison sentence, Waugh cannot drive for over seven years and must pay a victim surcharge. The judge expressed sympathy for Mr. Morris’s family.
Police investigated the collision, and Waugh initially gave a different story. Witnesses disputed her account, stating that Mr. Morris was riding normally with reflective gear on his bike, and Waugh’s car veered towards him.
Waugh admitted to using her phone while driving, a “Fatal 5” factor, according to police. Other factors include careless driving and speeding, along with driving impaired and not wearing a seatbelt. Mobile phone distraction has terrible consequences, and this case should serve as a warning. Police stated their thoughts are with Mr. Morris’s family.