Tributes Paid To Man Killed By Dangerous Driver In Bognor

A dangerous driver who caused a fatal head-on collision in Bognor Regis has been jailed for eight years.

Tony Daniels, 46, had been travelling northbound along the A29 Shripney Road with his wife Jade on the evening of 26 June 2024 when their vehicle was struck by a black Audi A3 coming in the opposite direction.

Despite the efforts of emergency services and members of the public, Tony, from Felpham, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Jade was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Audi, 25-year-old Louie Everitt, from The Croft in Bersted, was also taken to hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing Everitt speeding, tailgating and overtaking dangerously shortly before the crash, with some describing his driving as “like a lunatic” and well beyond the 40mph speed limit.

When police arrived, he was reported to smell strongly of alcohol but refused to provide a saliva or blood sample for testing.

He was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured, and failing to provide a laboratory sample following a fatal collision.

At Portsmouth Crown Court on 23 December, Everitt was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, reduced from 12 years following early guilty pleas.

He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release, and will also be banned from driving for five years after leaving prison.

The judge described Tony as “laid back, kind and funny”, saying his loss was felt deeply by his loved ones.

He told Everitt his “hideously dangerous” driving had tragic but predictable consequences, with witnesses estimating speeds between 60 and 100mph.

Tony’s wife Jade paid an emotional tribute to her husband, saying he was “the heart of our family” and someone whose laughter and kindness touched everyone around him.

She said their lives had changed “in an instant” and that her family faced “a life sentence” of grief.

“He will always be missed, always loved, and never forgotten,” she said.