The driver of a black Volkeswagen Polo in heavy rain on the M27 at around 90mph when he caused a fatal crash with another car and a lorry which caused the death of Michal Kaminski, 36
Video Unavailable
Dangerous driver jailed for causing fatal M27 collision
The horror moment when a car being driven at more than 90mph in treacherous conditions caused a crash which killed a lorry driver has been released by police.
Ross Neiland, 38, was driving the Volkswagen Polo in heavy rain when he caused a three-car crash involving a Nissan Duke and a lorry on the M27. He attempted to flee the scene but was detained by members of the public at the scene of the incident.
Police later found Neiland was carrying meat, cheese and laundry detergent which had been shoplifted earlier that day. Tragically, Michal Kaminski, 36, was killed in the incident.
Ross Neiland, 38, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, was jailed at Southampton Crown Court for nine years and nine months for causing his death. Phil Hanham, lead investigating officer, said: “Michal was innocently going about his daily work when his life was cruelly cut short that day by the selfish actions of another driver.
“The dashcam footage of Neiland speeding, despite the heavy rain, is extremely shocking to view. He clearly had absolutely no regard for the safety of himself, his passengers and other road users.
“I would like to pay tribute to the family and friends of Michal who have remained so dignified throughout the investigation and court proceedings. These scenes are incredibly difficult and upsetting for the members of the emergency services that are called to them while doing their jobs.”
In the wake of the accident, the carriageway was closed for two days to make the overhead gantry safe. A spokeman for the force added: “Ross Neiland was speeding at 90mph in spite of treacherous weather conditions before causing the fatal collision on February 21 last year.
Michal was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after his lorry was forced off the carriageway and into the metal support of an overhead gantry.
“Moments after the collision, Neiland attempted to flee the scene and had to be apprehended by members of the public on the grass verge at the side of the motorway. The court heard Neiland was in possession of stolen goods when he was arrested, including meat, cheese and laundry detergent, which had been shoplifted earlier that day.
“Despite the hard work of emergency services and other agencies, the carriageway was closed for two days as work was done to make sure the overhead gantry was safe following the collision.”