Brough man jailed for causing fatal crash after using phone behind wheel
A 68-year-old man died
A man from Brough has been jailed for causing the death of a 68-year-old man after using his phone while driving.
20-year-old Ryan Richardson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and has been jailed for two years and eight months.
He's also been banned from driving for six years.
Hull Crown Court heard how, on 26 February 2025, Richardson was driving a Toyota Yaris on the M62 between junctions 37 and 38.
He was travelling at 67mph despite a 50mph speed restriction being in place because of roadworks.
Traffic was heavy and almost at a standstill when Richardson crashed into the back of a Toyota Aygo.
The driver of that car, a 68-year-old man, died at the scene.
In police interviews, Richardson said he'd been distracted by his phone, scrolling through songs on a music app, and didn't see the standing traffic.
The investigating officer said: “This tragic incident and the actions of Richardson on that afternoon in allowing himself to be distracted by a mobile phone show only too clearly that it only takes one second to take a life.
“By using his mobile phone whilst driving, Richardson has caused the death of a man whose family will have to live with their heartbreaking loss for the rest of their lives.
“Every fatal collision we attend is a tragedy that didn’t need to happen, and behind every incident is a person – someone’s parent, partner, child, sibling, or best friend. In almost every case, it could have been prevented. Our message is simple: Drive safe, every time”