Speeding Driver Jailed After Horrific Crash Leaves Biker Seriously Injured
A reckless driver who smashed into a motorcyclist, leaving him with life-changing injuries, has landed behind bars.
Leigh Garside’s Speeding Spree Ends in Disaster
Leigh Garside, 39, was caught tearing through Winchelsea and Icklesham at dangerous speeds.
- He hit 100mph in a 60mph zone on the A259.
- Ignored a police stop check and fled at high speed.
- Then careered onto the wrong side of the road, crashing into an Essex motorcyclist.
Despite airbags deploying in his Mercedes, Garside didn’t stop at the scene. He finally surrendered just yards away, where cops arrested him.
Drink, Drive & Destroy
PC Richard Brand from the Roads Policing Unit slammed Garside’s “total lack of regard for the safety of himself and other road users.”
“He was driving well in excess of the speed limit and he was drunk. Dangerous driving and drink driving will not be tolerated on Sussex roads,”
In custody, Garside blew 96 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath – nearly three times the legal limit of 35.
Justice Served at Lewes Crown Court
On February 15, at Lewes Crown Court, transport driver Garside admitted drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
- He was jailed for two and a half years.
- Disqualified from driving for six years and three months.
The court heard the crash happened around midday on August 14 last year as police tried to pull him over. At one point, Garside was doing 45mph in a 30mph zone before slamming into the biker near Ferry Hill.
The injured rider is still undergoing treatment, and his family has been deeply affected by the crash.
PC Brand added: “Garside has now lost his freedom and may not drive again for some considerable time.”
