THE prison sentence given to a lorry driver from Galashiels who killed three people in a crash on the A1 in County Durham last July is to be reviewed to determine whether it was too lenient.

Earlier this month Durham Crown Court heard that Ion Onut had been looking at adult dating sites on his phone in the moments before he ploughed into stationary traffic at Bowburn in July last year.

The 41-year-old had been working for a haulage firm and was heading north with a load of fertiliser when he caused the crash which resulted in the deaths of David Dalglish, 57; Elaine Sullivan, 59, of Seaham; and Paul Mullen, 51, of Washington.

Onut admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years and 10 months imprisonment.

The sentenced sparked outrage on social media with many complaining about the leniency.

The case was referred to the Attorney General's office who have now confirmed the sentence will be reviewed.

A spokesperson said: "We have received a referral to look at this case. The Law Officers have 28 days from the date of sentencing to make a decision on whether or not to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient."

Details of who referred the case to the Attorney General were not revealed.