A LORRY driver who caused the deaths of three people in a crash on the A1(M) near Durham will be sentenced today.

Two lorries and four cars were caught up in the collision on the motorway at Bowburn, County Durham, on July 15 last year.

David Daglish, 57, and Elaine Sullivan, 59, from Seaham, and Paul Mullen, 51, of Washington, were killed.

At a court hearing in December, lorry driver Ion Nicu Onut, 41, of Galashiels, Scotland, admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Durham Crown Court today.

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Several people were also injured in the crash, on the northbound carriageway near junction 61, and one of the lorries caught fire.

The Northern Echo:

David Daglish and Elaine Sullivan, left, and Paul Mullen, right, died as a result of the crash on the motorway near Bowburn, County Durham on July 15, 2021

Following the tragedy, loved ones paid tribute to those who lost their lives.

In a joint statement, the families of Elaine Sullivan and David Daglish said: “Our world has been shattered into a million pieces.

“Elaine and Dave were incredibly kind-hearted, loving and supportive parents, grandparents, family members and friends.

“Their premature departure has left behind an irreparable hole in both our families and the local community; their kind and devoted selves will never be forgotten.”

Tributes were also paid to Paul Mullen by his partner and three children.

In a statement, his family said: “Our hearts are broken. Life will never be the same again.

"He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

  • The Northern Echo will bring you coverage from the sentencing of Ion Nicu Onut at Durham Crown Court, which is expected to take all morning.

 

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