THE SON of the Southampton pensioner killed by a lorry has expressed his sadness at the sudden death of the mechanic jailed in connection with her death.

Terence Gleadall, who was from Rotherham, collapsed and died in Winchester Prison two weeks into a four-month sentence after he admitted perverting the course of justice.

He had tampered with the service records of a poorly-maintained CarTrans lorry involved in the death of Joyce McVey, 78, in The Avenue in September 2002.

Tony McVey said of Gleadall's death from a suspected heart attack: "This is very sad news. Obviously, I would like to express my sympathy for his family who must be going through an extremely difficult and trying time at present, especially after the ordeal of the extended trial.

"My wife and I would like the Gleadall family to know that we understand what they must be going through, and we send them our best wishes.

"I have been told that he expressed how sorry he was for my mother's death and his involvement with it. He was sincere."

An inquest has been opened into Gleadall's death because he died in custody.

Driver of the transporter Michael Roberts, 41, was jailed for a year after admitting manslaughter over Mrs McVey's death while company boss Paul Duckmanton, 47, was jailed for eight months for tampering with the lorry's service record.

Mr McVey, 51, who lives in California, said he was considering legal action against CarTrans. "At this point I'm undecided about whether to take action. I need to consult with legal counsel about the advisability of such action."

He revealed how he had spoken to his mum shortly before her death: "It's ironic that, in a phone conversation with my mother about a week before she was killed, I'd expressed some concerns about her health.

"I was unaware of her successful treatments for cancer, learning about it only after her death. I knew she was having some lower back and joint pain and suggested she see a doctor for treatment.

"Her reply was: 'Don't worry about me, Tony, I'll be around for another 20 years.' I admit this may have been a little too optimistic on her part, but we'll never know."