A LORRY driver is behind bars for a horror crash which left another trucker dead and a motorist badly hurt.

John Kirk today (Friday, November 7) admitted being responsible for the early-morning collision on the A19 near the Mandale turn-off.

Kirk had barely slept in the 48 hours before the smash in August last year and dozed off at the wheel of his Scania Artic.

Andrew Nimmo and Lada Khazanovych had earlier had a bump and had pulled over at the side of the road to exchange details.

The pair - a 24-year-old lorry driver from Murton, County Durham, and a pianist - were standing between their two vehicles.

Kirk, 26, ploughed into the back of Ms Khazanovych's Ford Focus and squashed the two victims between it and Mr Nimmo's truck.

At Teesside Crown Court, Kirk admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He also pleaded guilty to an offence under the Transport Act 1968 by lying about his rest days between July 15 and August 6.

His barrister, Matthew Gent, asked Judge Peter Armstrong to remand him in custody so his sentence could start straight away.

Kirk, of Glen Drive, Boston, Lincolnshire, will be sentenced on December 6 after background reports have been prepared.

Mr Nimmo's family and Kirk's friends and family packed out the public gallery for the ten-minute hearing, and sobs could be heard.

The tragic trucker - a keen Sunderland supporter - was due to marry his fiancée and partner of two years, Janinne Lesley, this August.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds said victim personal statements from the bereaved and Ms Khazanovych would be sought before the next hearing.

Mr Gent told Judge Armstrong: "The defendant is 26 and has no previous convictions recorded against him.

"He is utterly remorseful for what occurred in that day. He wants to be punished, and he wants to be sent to prison.

"He wanted to know his fate today, but for the reasons outlined, the defence understands why that is not possible."

The judge told Kirk: "I can understand your anxiety to know your fate. A custodial sentence is inevitable. The question is how long that has to be.

"The family of the deceased and the lady herself who was injured should have an opportunity to make statements setting out the impact on them of this driving."

The accident happened on the southbound carriageway near the slip road for the A1130 at around 5.30am on August 6.