A LORRY driver from Suffolk has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a crash that killed an eight-year-old boy on the A14.Michael Coombes, 62, of St Mary's, Stowmarket, ploughed into a vehicle driven by William Elbrow's father on the A14 near Cambridge.

A LORRY driver from Suffolk has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a crash that killed an eight-year-old boy on the A14.

Michael Coombes, 62, of St Mary's, Stowmarket, ploughed into a vehicle driven by William Elbrow's father on the A14 near Cambridge.

William and his family, of Thrapston, Northamptonshire, were travelling to the seaside for a weekend break at the time of the tragedy, in May last year.

Simon Elbrow, 38, was seriously injured in the crash that claimed his son's life. William's six-year-old brother and three-year-old sister also suffered minor injuries.

Coombes was yesterday found guilty of causing the crash following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court. He had denied causing death by dangerous driving.

The court heard Coombes' lorry smashed into the Mitsubishi 4x4 carrying William after failing to notice it slowing down behind other traffic.

Since William's death, his family and friends have raised more than £10,000 for road safety charity Brake.

His mother, Louise, said yesterday: “The whole family has been devastated by his death, we miss him so desperately.

“We set out as a happy family of five looking forward to a fun holiday with our friends.

“Within an hour of setting out, William was dead and our lives were instantly shattered.”

Following the verdict, senior investigating officer Sergeant Lyndon Pickston said: “We are pleased with today's verdict and hope that it sends out a clear message of the tragic consequences of driving dangerously.

“Coombes' prolonged inattention to the road resulted in a young boy needlessly losing his life.

“My thoughts are now with William's family, although today's result will never bring him back, I hope that they can take some comfort in knowing that justice has been done.”

Coombes will return to the court to be sentenced on October 17.