Amazon driver, 45, jailed for killing motorcyclist while trying to make U-turn across dual carriageway

Matthew Wright was in the wrong lane when he tried to make a U-turn across a dual carriageway after just pulling out of an Amazon depot, a court heard

An Amazon Prime lorry driver has been sentenced to nine years in prison after killing a motorcyclist during a U-turn on a dual carriageway. Matthew Wright, 45, had departed from an Amazon warehouse just moments before he attempted the right turn at the A617/A60 junction in Nottinghamshire.

The court was informed that he was in an incorrect lane, leading to a 'highly dangerous manoeuvre' that caused his vehicle to obstruct the path of an oncoming Yamaha motorcycle. Motorcyclist Nigel Osler, aged 61, collided with the lorry's wheel on the 60mph road and was swiftly taken to Queen Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Despite intense medical intervention, the married father-of-two succumbed to his injuries later the same day on July 12 last year.

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Wright, who was relatively new to HGV driving with just 55 days of experience under his belt, faced charges for causing death by dangerous driving.

Hailing from Charnock Richard, Chorley, Lancs. , Wright entered a guilty plea and received his sentence at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (Thurs).

During the sentencing, Judge Stuart Rafferty KC expressed that such cases are amongst "one of the hardest" for sentencing, recognising that Wright never intended to kill Mr Osler on that fateful morning.

He remarked: "In just a few short minutes, or even not that long, a life was lost and it should not have been. The devastation you caused is immeasurable and of course your life has changed also."

"No sentence I can pass will have any meaning for the family. It doesn't matter how long the sentence is I can't give back what they want and that's him."

Wright has been further banned from driving for five years following his release from prison. The court was informed that the collision occurred in the early hours of July 12, 2023, shortly after Wright had left the Amazon depot on Sherwood Way South.

As he headed east on the A617, he shifted to the far left of four lanes before making a right turn at the crossroads a move that saw him cut across lanes two and three, which were designated for straight-ahead traffic.

The court was told that only drivers in the far-right lane were allowed to make a right turn and the traffic light for those turning right was red at the time. By cutting across lanes two and three to execute the illegal manoeuvre, Wright caused Mr Osler to collide with the front offside wheel of the lorry.

His defence counsel stated that he carried out the manoeuvre because he "genuinely believed it was safe to do so" and that he "does not in any way underestimate the profound consequences of his actions that day".

His defence lawyer added: "The guilt will live with him for the rest of his days,". After the sentencing, Mr Osler's family expressed that they have "lived in a world of disbelief" since his sudden death last year.

In a statement, they said: "You cannot overestimate the devastating impact that such an horrendous and unnecessary death has upon a family. Nige was such a kind, funny, caring and generous man who loved his children and adored his grandchildren."

"The pain of losing someone in such traumatic circumstances is immeasurable and we will never recover. Memories that we should be making can never be. To lose his life through no fault of his own in these circumstances is devastating for everyone who loved him."

"To the emergency service personnel that attended Nige and to everyone at the scene and at Queen's Medical Centre we send our heartfelt thanks. You all did your very best for him. The fact that we are here today is testament to the police and CPS in securing a conviction and for this we thank you."

"We'd like to thank everyone for their support of our family and kind sentiments offered since that day. We would urge anyone using the roads to consider the consequences of their actions; is it really worth it? ".

"No amount of sentence can bring Nige back or erase the devastating memories of that day, we have to live with the consequences forever."

Collision investigator Georgina Luke, of Nottinghamshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was an utterly tragic incident that robbed a family of a much-loved husband, dad, grandad and brother."

"Wright's manner of driving was extremely dangerous and ultimately cost Mr Osler his life. As Wright begins his sentence, I sincerely hope that other drivers will take note of the potential consequences of driving dangerously and be more considerate around other road users by ensuring they have passed you safely before making manoeuvres which could put their lives at risk.

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Osler's family, who have all been so brave throughout the investigation process after suffering such a dreadful loss."