Thief jailed for killing lorry driver

A thief who mowed down a lorry driver as he stole thousands of pounds worth of electrical equipment was jailed for nine years today.

John Clarke, 23, from East Ham, east London admitted the manslaughter of 44-year-old Ian Jones, from Hawkhurst in Kent, on August 7 last year.

Mr Jones had spent 20 years in the fire service and worked as a driver-trainer for Dixons.

He was knocked down by his own lorry as Clarke executed a three point turn to drive the lorry away as it was unloading at a superstore in Chingford, east London.

The rear wheels went over Mr Jones. Clarke, who did not hold a driving licence, then drove over his body again after colliding with some of the goods.

He died almost instantly, an Old Bailey court was told. Clarke was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.