Bury St Edmunds man denies using phone during A14 collision

Christopher Cooke is accused of causing the death of Paul Cobbold (pictured above) by dangerous driving after his lorry ploughed into stationary traffic at Beyton on March 30, 2023.

Ipswich Crown Court has heard the game “Chief Almighty” was active before and after the fatal A14 crash.

However, Cooke, 55, of Shillitoe Close, Bury St Edmunds, denies he was using the game while driving.

Christopher Cooke, 55, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on November 6 for the continuation of his trial (Image: Newsquest)

The jury heard that, while speaking to his partner in front of an officer wearing a body-worn camera after the crash, Cooke said: “I wasn’t using my phone, it was on my dashboard.”

He added: “I don’t know what the hell happened.”

During a second police interview in January 2024, Cooke said he had been travelling in lane one when he realised he was gaining on the traffic ahead.

“I’m looking up and can see I’m gaining on them,” he said, explaining that he then moved into lane two.

Cooke said he believed his lorry was on cruise control and denied that the cars ahead were stationary, saying: “There were no brake lights, no indicators.”

He said he regularly played Chief Almighty but did not use it while driving, adding: “I did not engage with the game after leaving the yard.”

Prosecutor Carolyn Gardiner has alleged Cooke was travelling at 53mph before braking harshly and hitting the rear of Mr Cobbold’s Citroen van.

Mr Cobbold, from Bramford, died from multiple injuries.

The court heard that Cooke’s lorry, which was carrying dog food, overturned across two lanes, spilling its load onto the carriageway.

Cooke denies causing death by dangerous driving but has admitted causing death by careless driving.

The trial continues.