A SUFFOLK lorry driver today admitted he was speeding when his vehicle collided with a car killing its three elderly occupants. Steven Williams, 35, denies three charges of causing death by dangerous driving but agreed he had driven at almost 60 mph in a 40 limit.

A SUFFOLK lorry driver today admitted he was speeding when his vehicle collided with a car killing its three elderly occupants.

Steven Williams, 35, denies three charges of causing death by dangerous driving but agreed he had driven at almost 60 mph in a 40 limit.

Ivan Jeffery, 60, and his wife Pamela, 65, and her elderly mother Constance Rome, who was in her eighties, died when their Honda Accord collided with Williams lorry.

Ian James defending Williams at Ipswich Crown Court said: "Were you aware you should have been driving your lorry at 40 mph".

"Yes," replied Williams.

Mr James added: "But we know from your tachograph your speeds seemed to be around 50 mph".

"Yes," said Williams.

Mr James said: "We know that at one point it touched 58 mph. What risk did you think this presented?"

"Very very mininal risk," said Williams. "It was a dry clear day with good visibility".

The Court heard that Williams of Jenkins Green, Lowestoft had been driving along the A144 road at Ilketshall St Lawrence near Bungay on July 10 last year when his lorry jack-knifed. He told the Court he had been on his way back to his employers yard Terry Seaman Transport after an unsatisfactory day. He said he had been driving between Thorrington and Needham Market picking up sand and stone at Thorrington and delivering it to Needham Market.

Williams told the court the tipper on his lorry had become broken at Needham Market and he had had to wait for a fitter to repair the tipper before he could continue his work.

He said the outcome of the repair work meant he had to return to his employer without making his last delivery. However, Williams said: "I was not particularly hurrying though".

The trial continues.