Drink-Driver Sparks Horrific Head-On Smash on A259
A reckless drink-driver has been banned after causing a brutal head-on collision on the A259, leaving a young passenger with life-changing injuries.
James Lamont Crashes Audi into Oncoming BMW at 4am
James Lamont, 28, was speeding west along Bognor Road near Chichester in his Audi Q2 when he suddenly swerved into the opposite lane at around 4am on 10 August last year. His car smashed head-on into a BMW 3 Series travelling the right way.
The victim, a 20-year-old passenger from Bognor, suffered a broken leg that still severely affects his daily life.
Victim Battles PTSD and a Shattered Future
“I get flashbacks several times a week, often triggered by car headlights. I think I might have PTSD. Before the crash, I did kickboxing but now I fear I can’t continue because of the metal rod in my leg and reduced mobility,” the victim revealed.
The crash has wrecked his work, relationships, and hobbies, leaving a future full of uncertainty.
Drink-Driver Caught, Convicted, and Banned
Emergency crews found Lamont with glazed eyes, unsteady on his feet, and reeking of alcohol. His blood test showed 90mg of alcohol per 100ml—over the UK legal limit of 80mg.
Lamont pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and drink-driving. On 3 March at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, he was handed a 12-month community order, 200 hours unpaid work, a £455 fine, £85 court costs, a £114 victim surcharge, and a 24-month driving ban.
PC Jed Gobey from the Roads Policing Unit slammed Lamont’s reckless behaviour: “It is selfish, it is dangerous and it can change the lives of you and others. Drink or drive; never both.”
