Unlicensed Driver Kills Fun-Loving Dad in Tragic A27 Crash
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Michael James Craig, a beloved “fun-loving, doting dad,” after he was fatally struck by an uninsured, unlicensed driver on the A27 at Poling.
Michael’s Sudden Death on His Usual Route
The 34-year-old moped rider, known to friends as Mick, was heading home to Salvington from his job as a chef at Pizza Express in Arundel. The accident happened on the evening of 24 October 2018 when a blue Volkswagen Caddy crashed into him. Michael was pronounced dead at the scene.
Driver Damien Moth Caught and Sentenced
The driver, 32-year-old Damien Moth from East Preston, had no insurance and no driving licence. He was arrested and charged with causing death by careless driving, driving uninsured, and driving unlicensed.
Moth initially denied the charges and skipped his trial on 3 March 2021. A nationwide manhunt ended when he was caught in Crawley on 18 March. The very next day, he pleaded guilty to all charges at Lewes Crown Court.
Judge Christine Laing QC slammed Moth’s reckless driving in the dark at high speed as dangerous, sentencing him to 18 months in prison, three years of driving disqualification, and an extended retest before he can drive again.
Moving Tributes from Family and Police
“Michael was a devoted family man to his two girls, Tegan, six, and Kaylan, five. He worked hard, was loved by everyone at Pizza Express, and was always playing pranks.
“An avid Xbox player and a genuinely funny, loving bloke, Michael had only lived in Worthing 18 months. They were set to move into a new house just days after the crash.
“He’s greatly missed by all his family and friends.”
PC Doug Park of the Serious Collision Investigations Unit said: “Careless driving costs lives. Michael’s family endured a long, anxious wait, and while nothing can undo the tragedy, we hope this conviction sends a clear warning to reckless drivers.”
“Moth’s attempt to avoid sentencing shows a shocking disregard for the consequences of his actions and for the life of a young family man he took.”
