Tributes paid to grandfather killed on A1 near Peterborough - as lorry driver is jailed for causing collision
A lorry driver has been jailed for almost five years for causing a collision that killed a man on the A1 near Peterborough.
Cambridgeshire Police said Mindaugas Borisas, 56, was driving a Mercedes lorry on the southbound carriageway, between Stibbington and Water Newton, at about 4.25pm on July 30 last year when he “piled into the back of a Skoda Octavia estate that had come to a stop in queuing traffic”.
A force spokesperson explained: “The momentum of the collision meant another lorry, a blue Kia Cee’d estate and a Mercedes Van, were also involved in a domino effect.
“The Skoda was driven by Geoff Brock, 73, of Hillcrest, Bar Hill, near Cambridge, who was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries.
“Borisas remained at the scene and was arrested before giving a “no comment” interview.”
On Monday (16 February), at Cambridge Crown Court, Borisas, of Pennygate, Spalding, Lincolnshire, was jailed for four years and nine months, having pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was also banned from driving for 12 years and five months.
Detective Inspector Craig Wheeler commented: “I hope this shocking, tragic and completely avoidable collision serves as a reminder to everyone to the devastating consequences of losing concentration when they’re driving.
“For whatever reason, which only Borisas will know, his inattention caused a catastrophic collision, which left a trail of destruction and a family without a loved one. Quite simply, this collision should never have happened.
“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Brock and whilst no sentence passed will ever ease the pain of their loss, I hope this sentence provides some kind of closure to this horrendous ordeal.”
Mr Brock's family paid tribute to him in the following statement, shared by police.
"Following the conclusion of legal proceedings, we continue to mourn the sudden and tragic loss of Geoff - a man who was the heart of our family.
"He was killed in a collision on the A1 near Stibbington on July 30 2025 and the void he left behind remains as deeply felt today as it was then.
"Geoff was a man defined by his quiet intelligence and profound kindness. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a cherished grandfather.
"Beyond his family, Geoff loved to travel, was a voracious reader (having a particular soft spot for detective novels), and enjoyed the simple pleasures of food and wine, of which he had an encyclopaedic knowledge.
"A lifelong Everton fan, with a soft spot for Cambridge United, he was an avid sports viewer and could often be found on the sofa in the evenings catching up on the latest Tour de France stages or Test Match highlights. This passion extended proudly to the sidelines, watching his sons play tennis and football in their earlier years.
"His long and distinguished career spanned service as a Supply Officer in the Royal Navy and key leadership roles in education, culminating in his role as a Director in Education and teacher at his family’s language school.
"Even in retirement, he dedicated his time to voluntarily teaching Ukrainian refugees, becoming a treasured friend and counsellor to his students.
"Geoff is sorely missed by all who knew him. As we move forward from the sentencing, our focus remains on supporting each other and cherishing the memory of the wonderful and kind man that he was. We ask that our privacy continue to be respected during this incredibly difficult time."