A LORRY driver, whose vehicle killed a mother and her two small children, has admitted in court that a prolonged period of inattention caused the crash. James Wingfield, a Gulf War veteran from Coventry, who still serves in the Territorial Army, was sai

A LORRY driver, whose vehicle killed a mother and her two small children, has admitted in court that "a prolonged period of inattention" caused the crash.

James Wingfield, a Gulf War veteran from Coventry, who still serves in the Territorial Army, was said to have lost concentration and ploughed through the back of the young family's BMW setting it on fire.

He was warned at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday that he is likely to go to prison. He has pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Stacey Gitsham, 26, from Eaton Ford and her children Joshua, two and Georgia, 11 weeks, died on the A1 on December 8.

In court Wingfield admitted responsibility for the deaths and driving a Mercedes lorry dangerously. Mrs Gitsham and her children, who died of burns were travelling in one of five vehicles involved in the crash.

Their car ended up under the front of Wingfield's lorry. Several other people also suffered injuries in the crash.

David Holborn, counsel for Wingfield, said his client wanted to express his regret.

"He expresses his sincere apologies to those involved in this matter and in particular to the family of those involved," Mr Holborn said.

He added that Wingfield had served in both Gulf Wars and suffered post traumatic stress disorder, for which he was receiving psychiatric help.

Mrs Gitsham and her children were buried in the same coffin at St Neots cemetery after a funeral at St Mary's Church.

Wingfield will be sentenced on August 4.