Mini Cooper Crash: Driver Caught Drink and Drug Driving in Chichester
Lukasz Kopania lost control of his Mini Cooper in Needlemakers, Chichester, in the early hours of February 20. He smashed into a tree and was left unconscious until a quick-thinking passerby dragged him from the wreckage.
Shock Blood Test Reveals Dangerous Levels of Cocaine and Alcohol
Kopania was rushed to hospital, where five hours after the crash he gave blood samples. The tests revealed he had 212 microgrammes of benzolecgonine per litre of blood – more than four times the legal limit of 50mg. Benzolecgonine is the chemical marker for cocaine breakdown.
On top of that, he had 115mg of alcohol per litre of blood, breaching the legal drink drive limit of 80mg.
Court Case: Kopania Finally Admits Guilt After Denying Driving
At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on September 20, Kopania, 40, a motor trade body repairer from Bognor, pleaded guilty to drink and drug driving. Sussex Police shared bodycam footage to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence.
“Kopania said he could not remember driving,” said PC Steve Bucksey, Roads Policing Unit. “But after a full investigation including witness appeals, CCTV and forensic work, we presented this to court where he finally pled guilty.”
“Before crashing, Kopania swerved dangerously through Chichester town centre, putting innocent lives at risk. He lost control on the Needlemakers bend and slammed into a tree, knocking himself out.”
“A member of the public helped him from the wreckage within seconds. He was lucky no one was seriously hurt.”
“Drink and drug driving remain top causes of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads. Despite his initial denial, this investigation shows our determination to keep impaired drivers off the streets.”
Sentence: Community Service, Fine and Driving Ban
Kopania was ordered to complete 40 hours unpaid work, pay a £95 victim surcharge plus £85 costs, and banned from driving for one year.
