Sophie Waugh, 31, sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving after using her phone while driving on A6055, killing cyclist Ian Morris.
Sophie Waugh, age 31, was the driver. She lived in South Shields before moving. Now, she lives in Dormanstown, Redcar. Waugh drove a Ford Focus that hit Ian Morris, who was riding his bike around 2:15 p.m. on June 28, 2023, near Thirsk on the A6055 road.
Waugh admitted causing death by dangerous driving. A judge sentenced her at Teesside Crown Court to six years and eight months in jail.
A witness saw the crash. The person drove behind Waugh and saw her car drift into Mr. Morris, hitting him from behind while he biked.
Waugh used her phone before the crash. The court heard it was “prolonged” phone use. Police looked at her phone records, revealing she used it between 2:12 p.m. and 2:24 p.m. There were 57 activities on apps, including Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
Waugh worked at Alanbrooke Barracks in the Royal Logistics Corp. She left work to drive home. Her lawyer said she accepts responsibility and knows she caused irreversible damage. The lawyer also said Waugh was a good soldier, respected by colleagues and superiors.
Waugh has two young children, under three, who will now be cared for by Waugh’s mother. Waugh accepts her role in Mr. Morris’s death and will carry the burden of this forever, according to her lawyer.
The judge spoke about the case, stating Mr. Morris was cycling normally on June 28, 2023, on the A6055 when Waugh’s car hit him from the rear, resulting in his death. Mr. Morris had been married for nearly 50 years and was a father and a grandfather. His family spoke of him with love, emphasizing his importance to them.
The judge said Mr. Morris’s loss was most important and decided on the sentence. He also noted that Waugh showed sincere remorse.
Waugh used her phone while driving, causing Mr. Morris’s death. The judge said It wasn’t just sending one quick message; it sounded like she used it for a longer time.
Waugh must serve her jail time and cannot drive while incarcerated plus one year. She must also pay a victim surcharge, the judge said, and expressed his sympathy to Mr. Morris’s family.
A detective spoke about the investigation, reporting that Waugh said she didn’t see Mr. Morris, suggesting he swerved in front of her car. Witnesses challenged her version of events, stating Mr. Morris rode normally, wearing bright gear and had a light. They claimed Waugh’s car veered toward him.
Waugh admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and that she used her phone while driving. Using a phone is one of the “Fatal 5” factors, which also include careless driving, drink/drug driving, no seatbelt, and speeding. Distraction from phones has awful consequences. This case should warn people about phone use.
The detective sends thoughts to Mr. Morris’ family, who are devastated by this avoidable tragedy. Think before using your phone while driving.
