A lorry driver who tried to cover up the fact she was on the phone at the moment she hit and killed a motorcyclist has been jailed.

Stana Caltun was driving a HGV on the M25 between junctions 30 for the A13 and 31 for West Thurrock in September when she struck the bike, being ridden by Paul Garner.

The 53-year-old, from Maidstone, sadly died as a result of his injuries.

Caltun, from Romania, was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence. She appeared at Basildon Crown Court this morning and has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

She has also been given a six year driving ban.

The police investigation showed at the time of the collision Caltun was using her mobile phone for a call lasting seven minutes and also made other calls whilst driving.

It is believed due to her phone use she drifted from lane two into lane one and struck Mr Garner.

It was also identified that Caltun deleted data from phone after the collision in an attempt to hide her call.

She was also using a device in her cab which interfered with the records of her driving activities.

"The use of a mobile phone whilst driving an articulated goods vehicle was utterly irresponsible and dangerous" - Scott Egerton

In the days after his death Mr Garner's family paid emotional tribute to him. They said: “Paul was a loving husband, father-of-two and life-long car and motorcycle enthusiast.

“He was a keen reader, excellent in the kitchen and with a wicked sense of humour. Paul lived and worked in the Kent area all of his life.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Scott Egerton said after the hearing: "The use of a mobile phone whilst driving an articulated goods vehicle was utterly irresponsible and dangerous.

"As a result of this, Mr Garner’s family have been left devastated. I hope that the guilty plea today is some small help to them.

"This case must serve as a warning to any driver who uses their mobile phone of the risk they take, the consequences they face and the hurt they can cause.”