Mini Madness: Man Crashes into Tree While Blazing and Boozed
Lukasz Kopania lost control of his Mini Cooper in Needlemakers, Chichester, in the early hours of February 20. The 40-year-old smashed into a tree and was knocked unconscious. A quick-thinking member of the public dragged him from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
Drugs and Drink Levels Sky High
Kopania was rushed to hospital, where blood tests taken five hours later revealed shocking results. His blood contained 212 microgrammes of benzolecgonine per litre — more than four times the legal limit of 50mg, indicating heavy cocaine use. On top of that, his alcohol level was recorded at 115mg per litre, surpassing the 80mg legal limit for drink-driving.
Caught Out by CCTV and Witnesses
At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on September 20, Kopania admitted to drink and drug driving. He initially claimed he didn’t remember driving but was caught out by a full investigation involving CCTV footage and witness reports.
“Prior to colliding with a tree, Kopania put others in danger, swerving past innocent members of the public as he drove through Chichester town centre,” said Roads Policing Unit officer PC Steve Bucksey.
“He ballooned the bend in Needlemakers and hit a tree, causing a collision that left him unconscious. Fortunately, a passerby was on the scene within seconds and helped him out of the wreckage.”
“He was incredibly lucky not to cause serious injuries or worse. Drink and drug driving are among the leading causes of fatal and serious crashes.”
Justice Served: Banned and Fine
Kopania was disqualified from driving for one year. The court slapped him with a £95 victim surcharge, £85 in costs, and ordered 40 hours of unpaid work. Sussex Police shared the story and footage to warn others about the deadly consequences of mixing booze, drugs, and driving.
PC Bucksey added, “We are pleased that a potentially dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.”
