THE wife of a father-of-three - who died from injuries he suffered following a crash in Purfleet over a year ago - has paid tribute to the "loving, caring family man".

Dave Dawe, who had one child now aged 10 and twins now aged eight, died after his motorcycle collided with a white Ford Transit van on the A1306 Arterial Road, Purfleet on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Kevin Colgate, 54, of Purfleet was today sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months; 100 hours unpaid community service, 12 months' driving disqualification and £1,000 costs at Basildon Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Dave's wife, Shani, said: "Dave was a loving, caring family man; a beloved husband and devoted father. His children are still so young, now aged 10 and twins eight.

"Dave was a hardworking man, who was easy-going, well liked, and funny. He was a great character.

"Dave is in our hearts and thoughts constantly, he is talked about every day to keep his children's memories of their Daddy fresh in their minds. He was a big part of our lives, the best part. He will be missed always and loved forever."

Mr Dawe was riding his Yamaha R1 motorcycle at around 4pm when he was in collision with a van, driven by Mr Colgate, which had pulled out of Watts Crescent into his path.

Senior Investigating Officer Inspector Scott Egerton said: "David Dawe was tragically and unexpectedly taken from his family. The conviction of Kevin Colgate can never make up for the loss the family have suffered, although I hope that it provides them with some degree of closure and an understanding of how their loved one died.

"This case should serve as a warning to all drivers of the importance of checking that a road is clear before pulling out of a junction. We must all take that extra care to avoid destroying the lives of so many people."