A27 crash death: Michael Craig family's tribute as driver jailed

Michael James Craig, known as Mick, was on his vehicle riding east toward his home in Salvington.

The 34-year-old chef for Pizza Express was struck by a Volkswagen Caddy driven by unlicensed and uninsured Damien Moth.

He died at the scene of the crash.

Now, his family have described how the doting father-of-two will be missed, following Moth’s conviction for causing death by careless driving.

The family said Mick was born and raised in Sunderland. After leaving school he worked installing electric cables with his uncle, including work on the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle.

He moved to Worthing in 2017, hoping for a better life with daughters Tegan, six, and Kaylan, five, and his partner Stacey.

They said he was a much-loved member of staff at Pizza Express in Arundel, and was a “fun-loving, doting dad”.

Michael Craig and his daughters Tegan and Kaylan

In a statement they said: “Michael was a devoted family man to his two girls Tegan, six, and Kaylan, five. Michael, Stacey and the girls moved to Worthing in 2017 for a better life for the girls.

“They both walked into jobs – Michael worked at Pizza Express in Arundel and everyone loved him; both customers and staff. He was always playing pranks on people.

“Michael was an avid Xbox player and made so many friends playing the games. He was such a funny loving guy and he would do anything for anyone. Michael had only been here 18 months; they were due to move into a beautiful house in October 2018.

Michael Craig was killed on the A27 at Salvington

“Michael will always be remembered for his funny, loving, nature. He is greatly missed by all his family and friends.”

Moth, aged 32, was driving on the A27 in October 2018, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving, driving while uninsured and driving without a valid licence.

He was due to stand trial at Lewes Crown Court this month but failed to show up. A police appeal was launched and he was arrested in Crawley.

Moth, of Roundstone Drive, East Preston, admitted all three offences, and was jailed for 18 months.

Damien Moth was jailed for causing death by careless driving for mowing down moped rider Mick Craig on the A27 at Salvington

Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC said Moth’s actions – driving in the dark at high speed – was dangerous, and as a result he struck Michael’s moped which tragically led to his death.

Investigating officer PC Doug Park said: “It has been a long and anxious wait for Michael’s family, and I hope they are able to find some comfort in the conclusion of this case.

“While there is nothing that can change what happened on that tragic night, I hope this serves as a stark warning to all motorists about the risks of driving not in accordance with the law.

The crash scene on the A27 at Salvington in October 2018

“Careless driving costs lives. It is one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads, and we will continue to provide education and enforcement with two main aims: to save lives and to deal robustly with those who compromise road safety.

“The fact that Moth went into hiding to avoid sentencing speaks volumes, and that he didn't face up to his responsibilities knowing that he had taken the life of a young family man.”