Lorry driver sentenced over fatal truck stop crush

Michael Godfrey's family paid tribute to the "loving father", who died at a truck stop on the A1

A lorry driver who caused the death of a "loving father" after losing control of his vehicle has been sentenced.

Trucker Michael Godfrey, 61, had been on a break at an A1 service station near Blyth, Nottinghamshire, on 11 January 2024 when he came to the aid of fellow driver Alisher Jumanov.

Mr Godfrey was helping Jumanov access the Pearl Truck Stop after a wrong turn when Jumanov lost control of his lorry, crushing him against a stationary trailer.

Jumanov, 46, of Orzu Street in Bulungur City, Uzbekistan, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Nottingham Crown Court and on Monday was handed a six-month jail term, suspended for two years, and given a year-long driving ban.

Jumanov had mistakenly driven down Long Brecks Lane and had approached the locked rear gates of the service station.

Anxious about running out of hours on his tachograph, he had climbed the gates to seek help.

While the gates were unlocked, Mr Godfrey had moved his lorry to allow Jumanov to drive in through a narrow gap, over concrete sleepers.

But Jumanov lost control and crashed into Mr Godfrey, who died at the scene.

Mr Godfrey was pronounced dead at the scene of the Pearl Truck Stop, off the A1 near Blyth

Jumanov admitted wrongdoing in his police interview and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Mr Godfrey leaves behind his partner, a daughter and two stepsons.

His family said in a statement: "Mick was a loving father and friend who worked tirelessly to provide for his family - not just financially but also emotionally."

They said he "showed us all the true meaning of love and dedication to your family" and his "sudden and unexpected" death was "a devastating blow".

The statement added: "As he demonstrated during the last moments of his life, he wouldn't think twice about helping others in times of need."