A Maidstone teenager was trying to kill himself when he crashed into the back of a lorry on the M20, it has emerged.

Liam Cousins’ failed suicide bid, between junctions six and seven of the busy motorway, left a Polish truck driver dead after he collapsed at the scene, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Liam Cousins, now 20, of Holland Road, admitted dangerous driving after a last-minute plea change.

Judge Jeremy Carey said it was accepted Cousins crashed a Vauxhall Corsa into the back of the lorry having told his girlfriend he intended to end his life.

John Fitzgerald, defending, said Cousins had attempted to commit suicide previously by taking his mother’s car and driving it into a wall.

“He has struggled with autism,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

Cousins had intended to deny the charge when he appeared before the town’s Crown Court, but after a brief adjournment he entered a guilty plea.

Sentence was adjourned for reports until the end of the month. Bail was continued.

Following the 2am crash in August last year, the 44-year-old lorry driver suffered a heart attack and died at the scene.

An inquest was not held as cause of death was deemed as natural and his identity never given.

The road was shut for eight hours with seven-mile queues and a 25-mile diversion in place.

Cousins was left with a leg injury after he was struck by a car as he got out of his vehicle and later posted images on his Facebook profile.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.