More on KentOnline
A lorry driver who killed a roadside recovery worker on the M25 has been jailed.
Dariusz Mrozek, 42, crashed into 52-year-old Steven Godbold as he stood on the hard shoulder just before Junction 4 for Orpington while repairing a car last September.
A jury at Woolwich Crown Court was last week told Mrozek, of Admirals Way, Gravesend, was driving his green Scania dangerously in the run up to collision.
But following a four-day trial they found him not guilty of the charge and he was instead convicted of causing death by careless driving, a charge he had previously admitted.
He was jailed for one year and 10 months.
Mr Godbold, of Chatham, but whose family live in Gravesend, died at the scene.
Mrozek was arrested at the scene and later charged at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court having been summonsed by postal requisition.
He was also disqualified from driving for two years and was ordered to take an extended driving test after this time.
Investigating officer Detective Constable David Holmes said: "This was an incident which could have been avoided if Mrozek had been driving with the proper care and duty for which he should have been.
"He put the victim’s family through the ordeal of a trial and I’d like to commend their bravery throughout and I hope this outcome serves as a reminder to others to drive in a safe and sensible manner when getting behind the wheel of a car."