A court has fined builders’ merchant Travis Perkins £2m after part of a timber load fell off one of its lorries and into the windscreen of an oncoming car, killing the driver.

The firm admitted three safety offences and sentence was passed at Hove Crown Court on Thursday.

On May 13, 2020, father-of-three Jack Stevens, 28, who was driving a BMW, died when a strip of timber came loose from a Travis Perkins vehicle on the A26 after it left the company’s Newhaven depot.

The court heard how only a single strap was used on the load which did not adequately secure it, and the lashing was insufficient.

Lewes District Council conducted an investigation, working with the Health and Safety Executive, to bring the prosecution.

Councillor Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: “While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr Stevens, a much-loved father-of-three, died in this entirely preventable case.

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.

“I hope our prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that it is of the utmost importance they adhere to health and safety legislation to ensure that something like this never happens again.

“I am grateful for to our officers for their rigorous investigation and professionalism in pursuing this prosecution over a lengthy period, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive.”

Travis Perkins was also ordered to pay £85,000 in costs.