Lorry driver jailed for 11 years after fatal collision on M20
Phone use led to sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving
Zvonko Tomisa, a lorry driver who was on a video call during a fatal M20 crash, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
The incident took place on 25th November 2025, when emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving three vehicles between junctions 8 and 9 near Lenham.
Tomisa's white MAN lorry collided with a black Nissan Qashqai and a white Scania articulated lorry, which were stationary due to an unrelated incident further ahead.
Arran McManus, the Nissan driver, tragically died at the scene.
Tomisa, 58, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and subsequently arrested, while the Scania driver was uninjured.
Investigators found that Tomisa had ignored warning signs and hazard lights from other vehicles, failing to notice traffic stopping as he continued driving at speed.
He began braking only a second before the collision.
Phone records revealed Tomisa had been messaging and video calling prior to the crash.
Charged with causing death by dangerous driving, Tomisa pleaded guilty on 9th April 2026 and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 18th May 2026 to 11 years' imprisonment.
He was also disqualified from driving for 14 years and four months.
Chief Inspector Craig West highlighted the avoidable nature of McManus' death.
“Arran McManus’ death was completely avoidable. He was on his way to work and got caught in traffic, yet the actions of Zvonko Tomisa meant he never made it. Mr McManus was a huge part of the Ashford community and his death has had a devastating impact," West said.
He urged awareness of the dangers of phone use while driving.
“If anything good can come from this tragic incident, I hope it’s that people look at Mr McManus' death and realise the detrimental impacts of using a phone whilst driving. We have a zero tolerance policy for this at Kent Police," he added.
McManus' partner expressed gratitude to those who helped on the motorway, sharing the personal loss felt by his family.
"Arran’s death has shattered our family. We have lost a loving partner, a devoted dad, an active mentor, and a central figure in our community. The emotional trauma, unanswered questions, and permanent absence we now face cannot be measured. Our lives have changed forever," McManus' partner said.