A portuguese lorry driver who killed a motorist by driving on the wrong side of the road has been given a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Jose Luis Correia de Jesus was driving in England for the first time when he ploughed into Dorothy Waring's car, killing her instantly.

Correia de Jesus, who was driving from Portugal to Chipping Norton, admitted causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Oxford Crown Court. Mrs Waring died of multiple injuries when her Vauxhall Astra was hit by the articulated lorry on the A329 at Milton Common in June.

Police vehicle examiners revealed the truck's brakes were held together with bits of wire and string, although the court heard this did not contribute to the accident.

Robert Spencer-Bernard, prosecuting, said the brakes were well below half the performance level required by EU regulations. The court heard that Correia de Jesus had simply not realised he was on the wrong side of the road until it was too late.

David Evans, defending, said: "This was a tragedy. This was a good woman going about her business who was killed by a good man." He added that Correia de Jesus had an impeccable driving record and had never been in an accident before.

Judge Mary-Jane Mowat said the exceptional circumstances of the case led her to impose a suspended sentence.

Story date: Monday 18 October

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