Sussex Drink-Drive Crackdown Nets 83 Arrests
Sussex police have arrested 83 motorists in a fierce two-week drink and drug driving blitz from 29 June to 12 July. The campaign targeted offenders across the county, aiming to combine tough enforcement with crucial driver education.
Hard-Hitting Sentences Handed Down
So far, 21 of those arrested have been convicted, with the rest either charged, released on investigation, or freed without charge. Courts have dished out hefty fines, long driving bans, and community orders in a bid to curb dangerous behaviour on the roads.
Latest Convictions Include:
- Andrew Jones, 56, mechanic from Haywards Heath, caught with 86mcg alcohol per 100ml breath. Banned from driving for 22 months and slapped with a £480 fine.
- James Scott-Brown, 21, shop employee from Henfield, caught with 48mcg alcohol. Nabbed on the A27 Brighton, banned for 36 months, fined £120.
- Daniel Stevens, 36, builder from East Preston, 52mcg alcohol detected. Given 12-month ban and fined £200.
- Sebastian Kelly-Manning, 26, roofer from Shoreham, 52mcg alcohol. Disqualified for 17 months and fined £86.
- Barry Greenhead, 39, unemployed from Havant, Hampshire. Not only drink driving (57mcg) but also no insurance, no licence, and cannabis possession. Banned for 14 months and fined £250.
- Lucian Gagea, 28, builder from St Leonards, 91mcg alcohol. Disqualified for 23 months, fined £333.
- Jamie Sullivan, 25, scaffolder from Henfield, 59mcg alcohol and no insurance. Banned 15 months and fined £320.
- Joseph Murray, 23, hod carrier from Lancing, refused breath test and failed to stop. Banned 36 months and handed 120 hours unpaid work.
- Daniel Millen, 30, carpenter from Hastings, multiple charges including driving while disqualified. Banned 48 months, 200 hours unpaid work.
- Laura Dempster, 32, nursing assistant from Bognor Regis, 86mcg alcohol. Banned 17 months, fined £120.
- Jemma Squirrell, 28, telephonist from Lancing, 83mcg alcohol. Disqualified 17 months, fined £280.
- Andrew Cross, 61, finance officer from Eastbourne, 91mcg alcohol. Banned 23 months, fined £300.
- Ainars Stambergs, 30, mechanic from Bognor Regis, 79mcg alcohol. Banned 18 months, fined £300.
- Maria Ferreira-Da Costa, 56, care assistant from Newton Abbot, 95mcg alcohol. Banned 23 months, 40 hours unpaid work.
Think Before You Drink and Drive
Sussex Police warn the consequences of drink or drug driving are severe:
- Risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself or others
- Mandatory minimum 12-month driving ban
- Unlimited fines
- Possible prison sentences
- Permanent criminal record affecting jobs
- Soaring car insurance costs
- Travel restrictions, including US entry bans
Sussex residents can report suspected drink or drug drivers by texting 65999 or visiting the Operation Crackdown website. The force urges everyone to drive sober and stay safe.
