Driver using mobile phone at 60mph jailed after A1 horror smash which killed South Yorkshire woman

Robert Munce, 47, of Dunster Walk, Immingham, South Humberside, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment.

Margaret Nile, of Rotherham, was a passenger in a Ford car when Munce drove into it at 60mph causing several other crashes on Novemeber 11, 2014.

A judge at Nottingham Crown Court said he was ‘completely satisfied’ that the crash was caused by Munce using his phone for a ‘prolonged period’ whilst driving.

The court heard how Munce was driving southbound on the A1 near Newark and failed to see that traffic in the nearside lane was slowing down.

After being voluntary interviewed twice, officers charged Munce with death by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court. He was also banned from driving for seven years.

DC Paul Jaycock, the officer leading the investigation, said: “This tragic case demonstrates the devastating consequences that arose from one driver using his mobile phone whilst driving.

“Margaret Nile died because Robert Munce was needlessly distracted by his mobile phone when he should have been concentrating on driving. Sadly he cannot turn back the clock and has been imprisoned for his actions.

“Margaret’s family now have to try and rebuild their shattered lives. Their lives and arguably Munce’s life too, have changed forever.

“I would urge any driver that looks at their mobile phone when they should be fully focussed on the road ahead, to heed the lesson that Munce has been learning since 11 November 2014.”