Tributes paid to man killed by drink-driver

Tributes have been paid to a “much loved” motorcyclist, as the drink-driver who killed him is sentenced in court.

Matthew Burdikin was riding his Honda motorcycle northbound on the A21 near Robertsbridge when he was struck by a Ford Transit travelling in the opposite direction.

The van, driven by Lee Hatfield, had veered into the opposite carriageway, causing a head-on collision.

The incident occurred shortly after 8pm on 10 October, 2024.

Emergency services responded to the scene, where Matthew was tragically declared deceased. He was aged 38 and from Hastings.

Hatfield failed a roadside breath test, and was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

Specifically, he had 54 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system at the time of the collision. The legal limit is 35 micrograms.

The 33-year-old, of The Meadows, St Leonards, declined to comment in police interview and later pleaded guilty to both offences.

At Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 7 April, he was sentenced to five years and two months’ imprisonment – this was reduced from seven years for his early guilty plea.

Hatfield was also disqualified from driving for seven years.

Addressing Hatfield at sentencing, His Honour Judge Huseyin said: “The ripples have spread out from your decision to drive whilst tired and over the limit for alcohol, you were not able to keep concentration. You have a problem with alcohol and you’ve got a problem with drinking appropriately. Alcohol creates a hazard and in this case, a deadly hazard.

“You have crossed over into the opposite carriageway, not once but three times, the first two times you corrected it. You were on the wrong side of the road for six to eight seconds, Mr Burdikin was in view, extremely well-lit and riding appropriately. He could take no evasive action, he had no chance of avoiding you; no chance of surviving the impact from your vehicle.

“The man who died at your hands was a really good man and a good role model, he was working hard to provide a good future for his children. His eldest daughter has lost her dad and the man who she regarded as her best friend. His children have lost their father, their sole support, his youngest two have gone into care, and have been split up from each other.”

Matthew’s family issued the following tribute to him:

“When Matthew died, a darkness descended on our family and we will never be able to fill the space he left behind. It not only touched our lives but like ripples on a pond, the sadness spread to people all over who knew him.

“He was a loving father and a gentle soul who believed in family. He was funny and a natural mimic who could charm the birds from the trees. We still find it hard to believe he has gone.

“Matthew was a much loved son, father, brother and fiancé to Selina. Today we have justice for Matthew. We would like to thank Sussex Police for their work bringing this to trial and particularly to our Police Liaison Officer Rowan Carter for all her support and updates.”

Investigating officer Tudor Wells, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I’d like to commend Matthew’s family for the strength and resilience they have shown throughout this investigation, and I hope they can take some solace in the defendant’s sentence.

“Nobody sets out on their journey intent on killing someone on the road. But the stark reality is: drink and drug-driving destroys lives.

“We will continue to educate the public around the devastating consequences of drink and drug-driving, and crack down on those who make the conscious decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.”

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance costs;
• Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.