Ipswich man Arturas Motuzis fined for filming fatal A14 crash at Sproughton and posting it on social media
An Ipswich man who filmed a fatal crash on the A14 and shared it on social media has been fined.
Arturas Motuzis, of Belstead Avenue, appeared before Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich yesterday.
He pleaded guilty to sending an offensive, indecent or obscene message or matter by public communication network and using a mobile phone while driving.
The crash in question took place at Sproughton on June 4, the court was told.
At about 5.40pm, a motorcycle, a van and a car collided with each other on the westbound A14.
The motorcyclist, later identified as Kevin Doherty, 44, of Somersham, died at the scene.
Following the incident, several members of the public reported to police that a video of the incident had surfaced on social media.
On June 5, a man was arrested in connection with filming and posting the incident before being taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.
Motuzis was fined £1,345 in fines and handed six points on his licence.
In the wake of his conviction, PC Thomas Ives, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, urged people to not film crashes – or use their phones behind the wheel.
PC Ives 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.”
He described the notion of filming a crash as ‘utterly disrespectful’ to everyone involved, while highlighting it was also illegal to use a phone while driving.
PC Ives added: “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.”
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