'Lack of concentration' caused fatal lorry flip

A driver has been sentenced for causing the death of his 20-year-old passenger after flipping a scaffolding lorry over a central reservation.

Michael Ronner, 39, of Summer House Way in Warmley, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

The crash occurred along the A4174 in Mangotsfield on 5 December 2023. Tyler Carley died at the scene after sustaining a fatal head injury and other broken limbs.

Ronner was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and must pay £784 in costs.

The court was told how Ronner had been driving the scaffolding lorry with two passengers when he collided with the central reservation and overturned.

Ronner was arrested at the scene and later charged.

Noelie Poupard from Avon and Somerset Police described the victim as a "much-loved young man with his whole life ahead of him".

"His tragic death was a direct result of Michael Ronner's lack of concentration and not appropriately ensuring the safety of his passengers while driving a lorry," she said.

Poupard also condemned Ronner's decision to prolong the legal process by waiting until less than a week before his trial to enter a guilty plea.

"Had the plea been entered at the first opportunity, Ronner would have saved Tyler's family a considerable amount of distress," she said.

"All they ever wanted was for Ronner to take responsibility for his driving on the day Tyler was killed, and justice served."

Ronner must also complete a nine-month alcohol treatment programme, a five-day rehabilitation activity, and 150 hours of unpaid work.

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