Drug-driver sparks horror smash on A259 in Bognor! Keisha Barnes lost control of her white Mini Cooper while driving southbound, crashing head-on into a northbound Toyota Verso taxi at Colworth. Her passenger was left with life-changing injuries after the terrifying collision.
Crash in Early Hours Leaves Passenger Severely Hurt
The smash happened in the early hours of April 30 last year. Barnes admitted she was possibly sleepy behind the wheel when she crashed. She suffered injuries herself and had to undergo surgery. Fire crews used special equipment to cut both driver and passenger free from the wreckage.
High Cocaine Levels Found in Driver’s Blood
Police blood tests revealed Barnes had high levels of cocaine in her system. She was slammed for reckless driving at Lewes Crown Court. Detective Constable Kelly Newton from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit blasted Barnes’ dangerous behaviour, warning of the deadly risks drug driving poses to everyone on the roads.
Jail and Ban for Littlehampton Woman
Barnes, from Queen Street, Littlehampton, was jailed for two-and-a-half years. She was also banned from driving for over four years and must pass an extended retest before getting back behind the wheel. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the crash sends a stark warning about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Detective Constable Kelly Newton said: “Barnes’ actions that night were reckless and selfish. She lost control of her vehicle after consuming a drug, veering into an oncoming vehicle which gave the other driver no time to react. This case shows how drug driving seriously risks the safety of all road users. Drugs can stay in your system long after taking them and affect your ability to drive. Barnes was incredibly fortunate not to have caused a fatal collision that night. There is simply no excuse for being intoxicated behind the wheel, and we are pleased a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.”
