Man jailed for lorry M27 crash which killed Salisbury man

Ross Neiland was speeding as fast as 93 miles per hour on the M27 having been on a shoplifting spree in Portsmouth earlier on February 21, 2024. He lost control after driving through a puddle of water and crashed into a Nissan Juke, before that hit the lorry which Michal Kaminski, 36, was driving. The 36-year-old likely died instantly, a pathologist said.

Neiland, 38 from Littlehampton, admitted death by dangerous driving and was jailed for nine years and nine months at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday. Jailing him, Judge Peter Henry said: "Mr Horder, in his eloquent submissions, has set to paint a picture of you as a victim. "I find it very difficult to accept you as a victim.

"You seem to contribute very little to society but you are quite happy to take from it, whether it is stealing or acting irresponsibly to those around you. "Kaminski's death was utterly avoidable. This is a complete tragedy for his family and friends, and the court has every sympathy with them."

Phil Hanham QPM, lead investigating officer for this case, 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 dash cam 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. The motorists who were nearby when the collision happened were extremely patient and understanding and I want to thank the public for their support during the two days it took to get the carriageway back open.

"I would also like to thank all the staff from all the emergency services and partners who worked so closely to bring this complex investigation to a close.

In particular I must thank DC Ian Stevens and PC Rob Giles for their excellent investigation and case presentation, which left Neiland with no other option than to plead guilty to all offences.

"This case highlights that driving dangerously on our roads has terrible consequences that may lead to someone's death, and you being sent to prison for many years."

References

1. ^ Live updates as man jailed for causing crash which killed lorry driver (www.dailyecho.co.uk)