A landscape gardener from Haywards Heath has been sentenced to ten months in prison after leading police on a dangerous high-speed pursuit through West Sussex, reaching speeds of up to 80mph in a 30mph zone.
Paul Rudkin, aged 42, of Bentswood Road, found himself in hot water after failing to stop for police on Keymer Road in Burgess Hill on December 10th last year. Rudkin’s reckless actions unfolded as part of Sussex Police’s intensified efforts to crack down on drink and drug-driving during the festive season.
The pursuit, marked by dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, came to a halt when Rudkin lost control of his Mini Cooper after encountering a puddle on the road. Sussex Police revealed that Rudkin was found to be more than ten times over the legal limit for cocaine, with a staggering 110 micrograms per litre of blood. It was further uncovered that Rudkin was already wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court for a previous drug-driving offence.
In a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on January 8th, Rudkin received a ten-month prison sentence for his actions. He pleaded guilty to charges of failing to stop, driving without insurance, and dangerous driving, in addition to being disqualified from driving for three years and four months.
Subsequently, on April 10th, at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, Rudkin admitted two further charges related to drug driving, resulting in an extended disqualification period of three years. He was also ordered to pay a £32 surcharge and a £80 fine.
Commenting on the case, Investigating officer PC Max Setra from the Roads Policing Unit expressed relief at the outcome, emphasizing the inherent risks Rudkin’s reckless driving posed to himself, his passengers, and other road users. PC Setra highlighted the police force’s unwavering commitment to apprehending offenders and ensuring the safety of the community by removing dangerous drivers from the roads.
