A LORRY driver who was texting his wife moments before he crashed into a stationary van has been fined.

David Lister, 55, was driving a lorry along the A10 at Stretham, Ely, when he collided with a van waiting to turn into Willow Grange Farm.

The 45-year-old van driver suffered serious injuries to his right shoulder and has lost the full use of his arm

His two-year-old daughter who was in the van was unhurt.

The collision happened at 11.20am on November 11, 2010.

Lister of Powis Avenue, Tipton, West Midlands, was cleared of dangerous driving but convicted of driving without due care and attention and exceeding the speed limit at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday).

He was fined �1,000, ordered to pay �1,500 costs and a �15 victim surcharge. He also had six points put on his licence.

PC Stuart Appleton said: “The victim has suffered life-changing injuries and it was lucky his young daughter escaped injury.

“Using a mobile phone while driving can have serious consequences and we will continue to target anyone who does so.”