Two charged after fatal head-on crash
Page 13

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TWO DRIVER agency bosses have appeared in court charged with manslaughter after two drivers died when one fell asleep behind the wheel.
Raymond Knapman and Robert Legg, of R&B Drivers in Plymouth. are charged with manslaughter following a crash involving drivers Mark Chadbourne and Anthony Best.
The head-on collision occurred in the early hours of 6 December 2003 on the A303 near West Knoyle, Wiltshire. Winchester Crown Court heard that Mark Chadbourne had been driving for 33 hours with only 7hr 50min rest.
Prosecuting. Michael Parroy DC told the court that Knapman and Legg forced drivers to work beyond their legal hours to boost profits, and threatened to withdraw work if they did not comply.
Parroy said Mark Chadbourne's driving was erratic in the minutes before he crossed over into the path of the other truck, driven by Anthony Best.
The tachograph reading showed he was driving at only 18mph at one point. The court heard Best was blameless.
Both defendants deny these charges and safety charges.