A DANGEROUS driver has been jailed following a head-on crash which killed a motorcyclist described as “a big man with a big heart”.

Ross Kirk, of Tower Road, Lancing, was travelling southbound on the B2123 Falmer Road at Rottingdean – a route he took routinely for work – when he was struck by an oncoming car which was on the wrong side of the road.

He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital following the incident on the morning of December 6 2018, where he later died from his injuries.

It was his 29th birthday.

The driver of the black Nissan Juke involved – Joseph Onoyeyasorho – was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The Argus:

The 36-year-old garage worker, of Anderson Close, Newhaven, had started to overtake two vehicles on approach to a left-hand bend with a restricted view when the fatal collision occurred.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, November 21, he was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment, of which he must serve at least half, and will be released on licence for 16 months thereafter.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years from the date of his release.

Ross’ family issued the following statement following the sentencing yesterday.

They said: “Ross was a big man – standing at 6’8” and 22 stone – and was known by everyone as the Hulk.

“But behind that he was a big softie really.

“He had a very calming presence about him and was very approachable.

“He was just so easy to talk to.

“He was the heart of the family, he was the rock that kept us all together.

“We have always been close as a family, but he was always the one who everyone would turn to.

“He was a father of two children, but he was also a father figure to all of his nieces and nephews. He would go out of his way to see his kids whenever he could.

“Ross had a partner who he was planning to marry and foster children with, and his father-in-law said Ross was everything a man could ask for his daughter.

“He worked as a window fitter with his dad at Lancing Glass Works, and he spent most of his childhood on the downs and on the beach. He just loved the outdoors.

“Ross also served in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. He was in the army for six years, and his sergeant said he was the perfect leader and the ideal man to have by your side.

“Being in the army really shaped him as a person.

“Ross leaves behind a large family including mum, dad, partner, sister, two brothers, and 16 nieces and nephews, all of whom miss him very dearly."