A LORRY driver has been found guilty of killing a grandfather of six after crashing into the back of his van on the M271. 

Stefan-Alexandru Bloj was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by a majority verdict. 

The court previously heard how the 34-year-old Royal Mail driver had nodded off moments before the fatal crash by Redbridge roundabout. 

David Sullivan, 64, had slowed down but his Citroen Relay was sent flying into the air when Bloj's 44-tonne lorry ploughed into it. 

Having retired yesterday afternoon, the jury returned just after 2pm today to deliver its verdict. Bloj was found guilty by a majority of ten to two. 

READ MORE: Lorry driver 'fell asleep at the wheel' before fatal crash on M271

READ MORE: Lorry driver in fatal crash trial 'was playing videos on his phone'

Romanian national Bloj, of Osborne Road, Southsea, had been playing videos on his phone at the time but claimed that he had just been listening to the shows and not watching the screen.

He told jurors that since the accident at around 8.30am on November 17, 2020, he had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea - when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep, causing sleepiness in the day.

He only had three hours sleep before the 14-hour shift which was his first ever night shift.

He spent his rest breaks watching videos on his phone and texting his partner, jurors heard.

Witnesses compared the impact to an "explosion" and said it had a "domino effect".

Mr Sullivan died from devastating injuries with his family later saying: "He will be very sorely and sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him."

Drivers of two other cars were also injured with police finding a message on Bloj's phone sent 25 minutes after the incident saying: "I messed up".

A pre-sentence report has now been ordered with Bloj set to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on August 31. 

Judge Nicholas Rowland told him: "You must prepare yourself for a custodial sentence on that occasion."

He has been bailed and must surrender his passport at a police station.