A LORRY driver crashed into the back of car slowing for queuing traffic in a momentary lapse of concentration, a court was told.

Mark Paul Boyle, 34, of Cheviot Crescent, Billingham, pleaded guilty at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court to careless driving. He was was given five penalty points and ordered to pay £180 in fines and costs.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said Boyle was driving north on the A167 when the car in front of him slowed down for traffic at the Thinford roundabout and he crashed into it.

The driver suffered whiplash injuries and suspected cracked ribs.

In her victim impact statement driver she had to resign her job and her relationship had ended, as a result. He was also now afraid to drive any distance.

Passing sentence District Martin Walker said: “There is no suggestion this was anything but a momentary lapse of concentration.”

He added: “Had there been any suggestion he was using a mobile phone or that he had been in drink or drugs that might have made a big difference to the offence.

“But in this case he does everything that’s right and he makes a full and frank admission.”