Man fined for filming fatal collision scene

A 38-year-old man has been fined after filming the scene of a fatal collision in Sproughton and sharing it on social media.

The collision occurred earlier this year, at just after 5.40pm on Tuesday, June 4, on the westbound carriageway of the A14 and involved a car, a van and a motorcycle.

The motorcyclist sadly died at the scene. He was later identified as Kevin Doherty, aged 44, from Somersham.

Following the collision, a video showing the victim was shared on social media. Police were alerted to this post by multiple members of the public.

On Wednesday, June 5, police arrested a man from Ipswich in connection with the filming and posting of this video.

He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and then released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Arturas Motuzis, of Belstead Avenue, in Ipswich, was issued with a summons to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court (pictured above) yesterday, Thursday, December 19, where he was formally charged with the following two offences:

– Sending an offensive/indecent/obscene message/matter by public communication network; and

– Using a mobile phone while driving.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was fined £1,345 in fines, costs and victim surcharges. His driving licence was endorsed with six points.

PC Thomas Ives, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team at Martlesham, said: “We understand the disruption a collision or serious incident on the road can have on other motorists. We as the police, and other emergency services, always appreciate patience as we attend to these incidents.

“It is unspeakable, however, to film the scene of a fatal collision and even more so to then share it on social media. Not only is using a mobile phone whilst driving an offence, but it is also utterly disrespectful to anyone involved in the sensitive and traumatic incident. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is one of the Fatal Four offences – offences which are the major causes of serious and fatal collisions.

“We ask that people abide by the law, which is there to protect them, and refrain from using their phones whilst behind the wheel of their vehicle.”

If you have been involved in or affected by a road traffic collision, advice and support information can be found at: www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/road-traffic-incident-support-organisations/