A soldier received a jail sentence for killing a cyclist while using social media while driving.
Her car hit Mr. Morris from behind on the A6055 around 2:15 p.m. A judge sentenced her to six years and eight months in jail at Teesside Crown Court after she pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
A witness driving behind Waugh saw her car veer left, striking the cyclist, according to prosecutor Paul Abraham. Police analyzed Waugh’s phone records, revealing she used it extensively from 2:12 p.m. to 2:24 p.m. She engaged in 57 activities on apps including Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Waugh worked at Alanbrooke Barracks in the Royal Logistics Corp. Her lawyer, Alistair Macdonald, said she caused “devastating” damage. Waugh rose to a junior rank in the army, and colleagues thought highly of her. She has two young children who will now be cared for by her mother.
Waugh accepts responsibility for Mr. Morris’s death and will carry this burden forever, her lawyer stated in court. Judge Stead noted that Mr. Morris was cycling normally when Waugh’s car hit him from behind. He had no warning and died.
Mr. Morris was married for almost 50 years and was a father and grandfather. His family spoke of him with love, emphasizing how valuable he was to them. Judge Stead said Mr. Morris’s loss was most important. He decided on the sentence after considering it, believing Waugh’s remorse to be real.
The judge stated that Waugh’s persistent use of her mobile phone caused the death; it was not just one single message. Waugh received a driving ban lasting 12 months beyond her jail time, along with a victim surcharge fee. Judge Stead expressed sympathy to Mr. Morris’s family.
