A man has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention following the death a popular 23-year-old man in a road crash.

East Anglian Daily Times: Maciej Antkowiak, who was killed following an accident in Long Melford. Picture: SUPPLIED BY SUFFOLK CONSTABULARYMaciej Antkowiak, who was killed following an accident in Long Melford. Picture: SUPPLIED BY SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY (Image: Archant)

Krzysztof Maslak, of Hartley Street, Ipswich, pleaded guilty at East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to the offence after Maciej Antkowiak died in the crash during the early hours of November 22.

Maslak and Mr Antkowiak were travelling in a red Toyota Yaris, with Maslak driving, when it hit a wall on the A1092 Westlegate Street in Long Melford.

Mr Antkowiak was the front passenger in the car and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he later died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

The 23-year-old’s family released a tribute after the crash via Suffolk police, during which they described him as a “loving person who had a heart of gold”.

The statement added: “We suffered an unimaginable loss with the tragic passing of our dear brother, son, and friend, Maciej Antkowiak – known as Maciek. Maciek was born on April 9 1994, in Torun, Poland and moved to Ipswich with his parents at the age of 13. He attended St Alban’s Catholic High School and graduated from Suffolk New College in 2013 with a diploma in vehicle maintenance and repair.

“Maciek enjoyed most spending time with his friends and family.He was a loving person who had a heart of gold and would go out of his way to help anyone in need.

“The world has lost an amazing soul, taken from this earth too soon. Maciek will be forever remembered by his parents, Wieslawa and Boguslaw, his three older sisters, Magdalena, Joanna and Gosia and his paternal grandparents Teresa and Jan, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large group of his dear friends.

“The family is very grateful for all the compassion they have been shown and are truly thankful.”

Maslak pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance, with his defence saying Maslak was insured to drive the vehicle in a social and domestic state but was not insured to use the car for commuting purposes.

Maslak was released on unconditional bail but has been told he cannot drive for the next 12 months while legal proceedings go through the court.

He is due to reappear at East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on August 20.