Drivers Caught Drink-Driving in Massive Sussex Crackdown
Sussex Police officers were out in force from 11 June to 11 July, netting 279 motorists for drink and drug-driving offences in a tough crackdown targeting dangerous road users.
Tracey Coles Spews Abuse and Spits at Cops After Drink-Driving Arrest
One of the worst offenders was Tracey Coles, 48, of Shoreham. Officers spotted her driving a Renault Megane on the A270 Old Shoreham Road, Southwick, late on 2 July with two deflated tyres. When pulled over and failing a roadside breath test, Coles flew into a rage, hurling foul-mouthed abuse. While handcuffed, she even spat at an officer – just missing his face.
Coles was charged with assaulting an emergency worker and driving with 75mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath – over twice the legal limit of 35mcg. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, she was banned from the roads for 17 months and hit with a £240 fine plus costs and compensation payments.
Hundreds Arrested, Many Faces and Heavy Fines
The crackdown didn’t stop there. Here’s a snapshot of some other drink-drivers hauled before the courts:
- Archie Davies, 22, Hastings – 59mcg, 12-month ban, £500 fine
- Daniel Barber, 41, Eastbourne – 47mcg, 12-month ban
- Jasmine Morton, 27, Polegate – 62mcg, slapped with a 3-year driving ban
- Joseph Jay, 31, Burgess Hill – 100mcg, 25-month ban, community service
- Tracey Hayes, 51, Worthing – staggeringly 124mcg, banned for 30 months
- George Power, 21, Horsham – 106mcg, 25-month ban, 100 hours unpaid work
- Lilly Ward, 18, Chichester – 97mcg, 24-month ban, community order
- Mutambirwa, 26, Peacehaven – 55mcg, three-year ban
Many received hefty fines, costs, victim surcharges and community orders demanding unpaid work, showing just how seriously the courts are taking these offences.
Police Warn: Drink-Driving Could Destroy Your Life
Sussex Police remind all drivers of the brutal realities facing those caught behind the wheel drunk or high:
- Fatal or serious crashes causing death or injury
- Mandatory minimum 12-month driving bans
- Unlimited fines and possible jail time
- Criminal records that wreck job prospects
- Skyrocketing car insurance premiums
- Travel restrictions, including being barred from countries like the USA
People are urged to report suspected drink or drug-drivers by texting 65999 or visiting the Operation Crackdown website. Alternatively, tips can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you see someone driving dangerously under the influence, dial 999 immediately.
Sussex Police will continue publishing the names of those convicted to send a strong message: drink or drug-driving simply will not be tolerated.
