A highways traffic officer left paralysed by a horror crash has issued a desperate plea for motorists not to use their mobile phones.

Paul Holroyd, 53, from Penrith, was left with life-changing injuries following the M6 crash which killed his friend and colleague, Adam Gibb, 20 months ago.

Peter Morrison,37, was today unanimously convicted of causing Mr Gibb's death and leaving Mr Holroyd seriously injured while driving dangerously.

After the verdicts were announced, Mr Holroyd spoke publicly for the first time of the devastating impact of the crash in February of last year.

In a statement, Mr Holroyd reflected on the crashes he has attended - and the reasons behind them.

"I have attended many road traffic collisions and feel sure that the frequency of these incidents increases during adverse weather conditions," he said.

"I am also sure that there are other contributing factors, some of which will be the use of mobile phones whilst driving."

Reflecting on the verdict, reached after a six-day trial at Carlisle Crown Court, Mr Holroyd said: "I accept the fact that when Mr Morrison started his journey on that fateful morning, that he could not envisage the tragic events that would follow.

"Today justice has been served on Mr Morrison, but this will not mitigate the pain and suffering that his actions have caused with the loss of life of my friend and colleague Adam Gibb, my substantial life-changing injuries that have subjected me to a life in a wheelchar, and the pain, suffering, worry and stress not only to Adam and my families and friends, but also his own family.

"There are so many innocent people whose lives have changed forever as a result of Mr Morrison's actions that day.

"I would urge everybody to take more care whilst driving, especially when using the motorways. And to not, under any circumstances, be tempted to use a mobile phone while driving.

"As this case has proved, lives can change forever in the blink of an eye."

Morrison lost control of his Mercedes ML 4x4 on the M6 near Shap in February last year.

His car ploughed into the hard shoulder, hitting highways traffic officer Mr Gibb, 51, and his colleague Mr Holroyd.

The court heard how he had been driving at excessive speed and using his mobile phone.