'Shocking' M27 crash video released

Media caption,

The video, shown in court, shows Neiland speeding in heavy rain on the M27

  • Published

A "shocking" video showing the moments before and after a speeding driver fatally forced a lorry driver off a motorway has been released by police.

Michal Kaminski, 36, died at the scene on the M27 near Southampton Airport when his lorry hit a gantry on 21 February 2024.

Ross Neiland, 38, from Littlehampton, had been driving at 90mph (145km/h) in heavy rain before the crash. He was jailed for nine years and nine months at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday.

The video released by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, which was shown in court, shows Neiland trying to flee the scene with bags of shoplifted goods.

Members of the public detained him before he was arrested, police said.

Neiland had admitted causing death by dangerous driving while uninsured and unlicensed as well as pleading guilty to failing to allow a blood test.

He lost control of his Volkswagen Polo and collided with the lorry and a Nissan Juke on the westbound carriageway, police said.

The crash caused Mr Kaminski, from Salisbury, to veer into the metal support of an overhead gantry.

The stretch of the M27 affected was closed for two days.

Image source, Kaminski family
Image caption,

Michal Kaminski, known as Mike, worked as a lorry driver for a flooring firm in Salisbury

Police investigator Phil Hanham 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," he added.

Image source, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Image caption,

Neiland was speeding in heavy rain with no regard for other drivers, police said

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