Vilius Domarkas, a 38-year-old van driver, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the death of Anthony Howe, a highways worker, in a collision on the M23 motorway near Crawley, West Sussex. Domarkas admitted to causing death by dangerous driving after striking Howe while he was working in a coned-off section of the road. The sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court, where the judge described the circumstances as particularly grave due to the driver's intoxication and reckless behaviour at the time of the crash.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 01:00 BST on 8 July on the southbound M23 near junction 9 for Crawley. According to police reports, Domarkas was driving a Citroen Relay van when he veered into the coned-off work area and struck Howe. Dashcam footage from Domarkas' own vehicle showed him driving erratically before the collision, with the judge noting he had been "zig zagging between lanes" immediately prior to impact.
What was the driver's condition at the time?
Domarkas was significantly impaired by alcohol when the crash occurred. Following the collision, Sussex Police observed that he had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and struggled to maintain his balance. A blood sample taken four hours after the crash revealed he had 221 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood—well above the legal driving limit of 80 milligrams per 100ml. Judge Martin Huseyin estimated that at the moment of impact, Domarkas was three to four times over the legal limit. After striking Howe, Domarkas stopped approximately 500 metres away and contacted police, though he appeared unaware of what had caused the collision.
"You were so drunk you didn't appear to know why,"the judge told him in court.
What was the victim's background?
Anthony Howe, from Kent, was a dedicated highways worker who was performing his duties in the designated work zone when he was struck. Those who knew him remembered him as a conscientious and hardworking individual. Judge Huseyin reflected on Howe's character, stating:
"Mr Howe was best described by three simple words - he was a good man."The judge emphasised that in cases of this nature, the focus must remain on those who knew and loved the victim and the lasting consequences of his death.
How has the victim's family been affected?
The impact on those closest to Howe has been devastating. In a victim statement read to the court, his partner Lillian Bonney described the profound loss she has experienced.
"Tony was my best friend and a life without him is not something I had thought about,"she said.
"He was a very hard working man and who wanted to provide for us both, and was looking forward to retiring soon."She added:
"The defendant made a choice that ruined my happily ever after."Bonney expressed that her
"entire world was ripped apart"when Howe was killed.
What sentence and restrictions were imposed?
In addition to the 10-year custodial sentence, Domarkas was disqualified from driving for 16 years and 8 months. He will serve two-thirds of his prison term before becoming eligible for release on licence. Domarkas, who was described in court documents as being of no fixed address, will remain subject to the driving ban for a substantial period following his release from custody.
What was the legal timeline?
The case progressed through the courts over several months. Domarkas pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on 6 August, well before the sentencing hearing. He had been charged on 9 July, the day after the collision. The sentencing took place on 28 September, concluding the court proceedings in the case.
Key Facts
- Vilius Domarkas, 38, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving on the M23 near Crawley on 8 July
- A blood test showed Domarkas had 221 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood, approximately three to four times the legal limit
- Anthony Howe, the victim, was working in a coned-off section of the motorway when struck by Domarkas' Citroen Relay van
- Domarkas was also disqualified from driving for 16 years and 8 months and will serve two-thirds of his sentence before release on licence
- The case proceeded from the collision on 8 July through a guilty plea on 6 August to sentencing on 28 September
