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Heavy load: HGV driver caught watching porn while driving 44-tonne truck

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Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

A lorry driver has been caught watching porn while driving one of the heaviest vehicles permitted on Suffolk's roads.

The big picture: The dangerous behaviour was spotted using a special HGV tractor unit provided by National Highways, which gives officers a direct view into the cabs of other lorry drivers.

The incident represents one of the stranger examples of distracted driving caught during recent police operations in Suffolk.

The details:

  • The driver was spotted by officers during "Operation Tramline"

  • Police used an elevated HGV cab to look directly into truck cabins

  • The operation ran from 28 October to 1 November

  • Officers patrolled the A14, A12 and A11

What they're saying: Speaking about the operation, Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, found it hard to fathom: "I'm absolutely staggered by the mindless stupidity of drivers risking their own lives, and the lives of others."

The bottom line: With drivers four times more likely to crash while using mobile devices, this trucker's viewing habits could have taught them a very hard lesson indeed.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Olympic medallist Louis Smith inspires at Ipswich SportsAid fundraising lunch

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Gymnast Louis Smith MBE shared his journey with 168 guests at Venue 16 to raise funds for promising young athletes like local triathlete Darcy Gladwell.

Why it matters: The event supports SportsAid Eastern's mission to champion the next generation of athletes who achieve national rankings but don't yet qualify for National Lottery funding.

The big picture: SportsAid Eastern was established in 1999 as one of nine regional charities across England, helping to bridge the funding gap for talented young athletes during critical stages of their development.

Louis Smith MBE
Louis Smith MBESportsAid Eastern

Details: The fundraising lunch, hosted by SportsAid Eastern and Ellisons Solicitors , brought together business leaders from across Suffolk.

  • Smith, one of Team GB's most decorated gymnasts with four Olympic medals, delivered what organisers called a "raw and powerful talk" about the sacrifices and mindset required to achieve Olympic success.

  • Rising triathlete Darcy Gladwell was this event's beneficiary, described as having "a clear trajectory toward elite-level competition."

What they're saying: Jane Horridge, Director of SportsAid Eastern, said: "Having Louis speak so openly and honestly about his journey was truly inspiring – his story resonated with everyone in the room. And to see the community come together to back young athletes like Darcy is exactly what SportsAid is all about."

Louis Smith MBE and Darcy Gladwell
Louis Smith MBE and Darcy GladwellSportsAid Eastern

Who's involved: Seven local businesses sponsored the event, which attracted 168 guests. Becketts, Pound Gates, Ensors, Ellisons Solicitors, Handelsbanken, StrategiQ, and Fenn Wright all supported the event as sponsors and partners.

The bottom line: Events like this provide financial backing directly to promising young athletes who rely heavily on their families to pursue sporting goals, helping to support Suffolk's future sporting stars.

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich
Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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