A VAN driver from South Derbyshire has been convicted of causing two deaths in a horror motorway crash.

Nigel Kirkham, 45, had denied two counts of causing death by dangerous driving after being involved in a four-vehicle smash on the M6 in Lancashire.

But Kirkham, of Chestnut Avenue, Swadlincote, was yesterday convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court.

Prosecutor Eric Lamb said Kirkham was behind the wheel of a white Mercedes van travelling northbound at Broughton, near Preston, when he shunted the back of an articulated truck.

The impact caused his van to come to a stop, straddling two lanes, where it was hit by two cars.

Zoe West, 34, and her front seat passenger, Victoria Pickering, 27, both from Gosport, Hampshire, died from head injuries.

Mr Lamb said: "It was a gross lack of attention because the defendant had run smack into the back of a large, well-lit lorry, on a straight stretch of motorway, in dry conditions – and with very good visibility."

Delivery driver Kirkham told police that he had little recollection of the smash.

He was treated for injuries at the time and did not give evidence at his trial.

Kirkham told police he did not know why he had hit the back of the lorry.

He was remanded in custody by Judge Michael Byrne for sentencing, which is due to take place on July 31.