A LORRY driver was killed when the heavy goods vehicle he was working on rolled forward and crushed him, an inquest heard.

Peter Fleming Wilson was an experienced HGV driver and had been carrying out light maintenance work on the new lorry which he had recently bought.

His sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Les Harker, who lived near Mr Wilson in Love Lane, Leyburn, found the 54-year-old trapped beneath the tractor unit at around 2.30pm on November 27 last year.

Mr Harker, a haulage contractor, told the Northallerton inquest they returned home from a shopping trip to find Mr Wilson's lorry in the lane in front of their home.

“I felt something wasn’t right," he said." As Carol and I approached the house, past the lorry, I looked underneath and saw him. I touched his arm and said his name but knew it wasn’t good.”

Mr Harker ushered his wife away to a neighbour as he rang for emergency services – which he praised for their compassion and professionalism.

Traffic Constable Steve Gardner said that the HGV's handbrake had not been applied and the chocks used to stop the wheels moving were too small for the size of the vehicle.

“It had been chocked and lifted with two bottle jacks. We know from CCTV that Mr Wilson had completed his work in replacing a number plate and swapping two tyres.

“Before the accident all he needed to do was clear away his tools. He laid down as he took the jacks down and as he moved the second one, the HGV rolled, too quickly for Mr Wilson to get out of the way.”

TC Gardner said had lorry would not have rolled had the handbrake been used.

Mr Harker added: “I knew Peter for about 43 years, and he was as much of a friend as a brother-in-law. He was always very interested in anything mechanical, loved motorbikes, and was really well in himself."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Rob Turnbull said: “I’m sure he felt what he was doing was safe. When the truck was lowered it moved forward and trapped him, causing him fatal head injuries.”