A man from London who deliberately drove his car into a moped in Surrey has been jailed after being found guilty of manslaughter
Neil Sullingston, 53, (DOB: 09/06/1972), from Orpington, was handed 13 years in prison on Friday (August 1) after “deliberately” driving his car into a moped, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Wayne Wigley on the A244 heading towards Esher in July last year.
According to police, Sullingston was driving to work in his white Seat Ibiza along the A244 towards Esher on the morning of July 1, 2024. As he approached the traffic lights at the junction with Milbourne Lane, he noticed that a moped was behind him.
The 53-year-old had previously reported the moped and its rider, Mr Wigley, in relation to road rage incidents they had both been involved in on May 16, 2024 and June 5, 2024, police said.
Dashcam and CCTV footage captured at around 6.19am on July 1 showed Mr Wigley throwing a rock at Sullingston’s car, causing the rear window to shatter, as both vehicles were approaching the traffic lights.
Mr Wigley then entered the right filter lane and rode off towards the traffic lights. Mr Sullingston moved into the filter lane immediately behind in “close pursuit”, before driving straight into the rear of the scooter, “making no attempt to brake or swerve”.
The 36-year-old was then thrown from his moped, with the impact resulting in his right lower leg being severed from his body, and catastrophic internal injuries.
Despite the efforts of several members of the public, including an off-duty police officer, a paramedic and a fire officer and subsequent emergency services, Mr Wigley was declared dead at the scene.
Wayne Wigley’s family have paid tribute to him, saying he is “dearly missed by his seven children, his mum, dad, partner, sister and all his friends. He was well loved by all and would do anything for anyone.
“He was strong-minded, loyal, generous and funny. A keen fisherman, a skilled banger racer and a gifted car mechanic.
“We would like to thank all our family and friends for their support, which has helped us through the horror of what has happened.”
Following the sentencing Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Pearce, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Wayne Wigley following his death in July last year.
“Sadly, on the day in question, the road rage escalated with fatal consequences. Sullingston deliberately drove at Mr Wigley, intending to cause harm, which ultimately resulted in his death.
“His actions that day were inexcusable and unforgivable, and the fact that he has been imprisoned today for 13 years after being found guilty of manslaughter has ensured he has been brought to justice for the loss of another man’s life.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
