A FATHER-of-two says his family can now move on with their lives following the jailing of the lorry driver who caused his wife’s death.

Don Kelly and his two boys lost Helen Kelly, 39, following a seven-vehicle accident on the M40 in 2007.

Mr Kelly, of Sturt Road, Charlbury, spoke out after Paul Allen, 46, was handed a 30 month custodial sentence for causing the collision which led to his wife’s death.

Allen, of Brynfa Avenue, Welshpool, Powys, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He was also banned from driving for three years at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday.

Mr Kelly, who was in court to see Allen sentenced, said: “I would like to thank the police for all their efforts and am grateful that this terrible situation has come to an end.

“Both myself and my boys can now begin to move forward with our lives and begin to come to terms with life without Helen.”

The fatal crash happened at about 6.45am on Thursday, November 29, 2007.

Allen was driving a Scania curtain-sided lorry between Junctions 2 and 1A of the M40 before the accident.

The court heard he failed to slow down for slow-moving traffic which was waiting to join the M25.

His lorry ran into the back of a silver Vauxhall Vectra being driven by Mrs Kelly, forcing it on to the hard shoulder.

The lorry then struck the rear of five other vehicles, before finally coming to a halt.

Mrs Kelly was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital where she later died. A number of other people were injured in the collision.

Mr Kelly released a tribute shortly after his wife’s death on behalf of himself and sons, who were aged six and four at the time. The tribute read: “Helen was a beautiful wife and mother to our two young sons, and this tragedy has shattered our lives and left us in utter despair.

“We had hopes and dreams for the future like everybody, and the pain and anguish of her senseless death will take a long time to come to terms with and even longer to heal.”

Pc John Belson, who investigated the collision, said: “This was an extremely serious collision which was made especially complicated due to the large number of vehicles and persons involved.

“The subsequent detailed investigation highlighted the very tragic consequences of inattention when driving.”