Haywards Heath Gardener Jailed After 80mph Police Chase
A Haywards Heath landscape gardener has landed himself behind bars for ten months following a reckless high-speed police chase through West Sussex.
Paul Rudkin, 42, from Bentswood Road, Burgess Hill, sped through a 30mph zone at up to 80mph. The dramatic pursuit began on Keymer Road on December 10th last year when Rudkin refused to stop for police amid Sussex’s festive crackdown on drink and drug-driving.
Dangerous Overtakes End in Crash
The chase featured dangerous overtaking before Rudkin lost control of his Mini Cooper after hitting a puddle. Police later revealed he was over ten times the legal cocaine limit, with a staggering 110 micrograms per litre of blood.
Worse still, Rudkin was already wanted on a warrant for skipping court over a prior drug-driving offence.
Lewes Court Slams Jail and Ban
At Lewes Crown Court on January 8th, Rudkin pleaded guilty to failing to stop, driving without insurance, and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to ten months in prison and banned from driving for three years and four months.
Then, on April 10th at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, he admitted further drug-driving offences. This extended his ban by another three years and landed him a £32 surcharge plus an £80 fine.
Police Praise Tough Sentence
“Rudkin’s reckless driving put himself, his passengers, and others at serious risk,” said PC Max Setra of Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit. “This outcome shows our commitment to catching dangerous drivers and protecting our communities.”
