A TRUCKER whose driving caused the death of two men has been jailed for two years after the horrific crash on a main road into York.

Former soldier Paul Jeavons, 47, "lost focus" in his HGV and ploughed into the back of a Skoda Octavia at temporary traffic lights on the A1079 road at Wilberfoss.

The 42mph impact crushed the Octavia between his powerful cab and a Leyland Daf lorry in front.

Octavia driver Gerrard Dunwell, 32, and his father-in-law Brian Mitchell, 63, both of Bradford, died instantly from massive head injuries.

The accident happened near the Steer Inn, on the York-bound carriageway of the A1079 at Wilberfoss, near York, on May 12, 2003.

In the road were a set of temporary traffic lights which had just turned red.

Jeavons, of Weelsby Street, Grimsby, failed to see the lights change.

He pleaded guilty to causing the deaths, by dangerous driving, of Mr Dunwell and Mr Mitchell.

Prosecuting at Hull Crown Court, James Sampson said conditions were fine and sunny and the roadworks were signposted more than 600 yards up the 40mph road.

He said: "He (Jeavons) accepts that he failed to appreciate two vehicles were slowing down."

He said since Feb 2000 Jeavons had picked up 12 licence points for speeding four times and kept his licence only through special mitigation before magistrates in August 2003.

Defending barrister Tony Stevenson said: "He does not have a clear recollection. At some stage he lost his focus and did not appreciate what was going on in front of him, with tragic consequences. He then realises his mistake and goes for the brakes, tragically, too late."

He said Jeavons had never denied his culpability. He had a 30-year clear driving record with no convictions until 2000.

Judge John Dowse said: "No order of mine can restore these men's lives. No order can begin to compensate for the pain that the families are experiencing."

He told Jeavons: "You know that there must be a prison sentence."

Jeavons swayed in the dock as the judge ordered he should be jailed for two years. He looked stunned at his family in the public gallery as the dock officer took him down to start his prison sentence. He was banned from driving for three years.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, March 16, 2004