Winter Drink-Driving Crackdown Nets 233 Sussex Motorists
A computer engineer, care assistant, and carpenter are among dozens caught in Sussex’s latest drink-driving sweep.
Sussex Police Hit Hard in Operation Limit
Last month’s national campaign, Operation Limit, saw Sussex officers step up patrols and breath tests. The month-long blitz ended with 233 arrests for drink-driving across the county.
Superintendent Rachel Glenton said: “Our officers are determined to catch offenders before they cause serious harm. We patrol 24/7 all year round, and while we can’t be everywhere, we could be anywhere.”
High-Profile Convictions: The Stories Behind the Stats
- Joshua Taylor, 24, a computer engineer from Horsham, was caught driving a Porsche Cayman with 1.51 mcg over the legal breath alcohol limit after three pints. He got a one-year driving ban and nearly £900 in fines and costs.
- Aafke Bauer, 38, from East Grinstead, was nabbed twice in less than a month. Already disqualified, Bauer was caught driving drunk again, crashing into parked cars. She refused to provide a breath sample and got a three-year ban plus a 12-week suspended jail term. She must also undergo alcohol dependency treatment.
- Thomas Gander, 30, builder from Albourne, crashed into street furniture before fleeing the scene. He blew 95 mcg, well over the limit. Gander was banned for two years and fined £505.
- James Church, 25, from Burgess Hill, was caught with a frosted windscreen and smell of booze at 9.30am. He tested 52 mcg, received a 15-month ban and a £645 penalty.
- Jerry Burke-Bowen, 34, a social care assistant from Bexhill, was reported by security staff after driving off drunk in Hastings. She tested at 91 mcg and got a three-year ban with 120 hours of unpaid work.
- Jonathan Cromwell, 38, a carpenter from Hove, tried to escape police after speeding but was caught. His breath test showed 60 mcg. He was disqualified for 17 months and hit with nearly £650 in fines.
Why Suspect Drink-Drivers Should Think Twice
Sussex Police vow to keep up these strict checks all year. Naming and shaming convicted drink-drivers sends a clear warning: mess with the law, and you’ll pay the price.
Drink or drug-driving penalties can include:
- Serious injury or death to yourself or others
- Minimum 12-month driving ban
- Unlimited fines
- Possible prison time
- Criminal record affecting employment
- Skyrocketing insurance premiums
- Travel restrictions to countries like the USA
Read more on Sussex drink-driving convictions here.
