THE family of a young motorist who died after being in a collision with a lorry has called for greater awareness of a little-known medical disorder that causes drowsiness.
Toby Tweddell, 25, died in August 2006 after a lorry driven by Colin Wrighton was in collision with his Nissan Micra at the M62 Rocket Interchange on Merseyside.
On Monday, Mr Wrighton, of Clitheroe, Lancashire, was acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading not guilty to a charge of dangerous driving, after he was found to be suffering from sleep apnoea, undiagnosed until after the accident.
The court heard that the condition may cause the sufferer to wake hundreds of times a night because their airway is blocked.
However, they do not remember waking, think they have had a good night's sleep, but are liable to fall asleep during the day, as they are constantly tired.
For the full story, get the Gazette (October 5, 2007)
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