Drink-Driver Throws Coffee at Police After Arrest in Brighton
A man caught drink-driving in Brighton didn’t just admit guilt—he threw a cold cup of coffee at a police officer in a shocking outburst. Gregory Moran, 32, was slammed with multiple charges after his fiery reaction during an arrest on 12 July.
Brighton Police Stop Drama in Grand Parade
Police on patrol spotted a heated argument between a man and woman inside a Renault Megane on Grand Parade around 1pm. Officers pulled the car over and made the driver take a roadside breath test—he failed spectacularly.
Moran, a railway worker from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, was arrested and placed in the back of a patrol car. That’s when he grabbed a cold cup of coffee from the centre console and hurled it at one of the officers.
Court Slams Moran With Tough Penalties
The court didn’t take kindly to Moran’s behaviour. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 3 September, he was convicted of:
- Driving with 75mcg of alcohol per 100ml breath (legal limit: 35mcg)
- Assaulting an emergency worker
- Obstructing police in their duty
Moran now faces a 20-month driving ban and a hefty £1,106 fine, plus £195 in costs and victim surcharge fees.
Summer Crackdown Nets 83 Drink and Drug-Drivers
Moran was one of 83 drivers nabbed during a joint Surrey and Sussex Police blitz from 29 June to 12 July. Seven have already been convicted, including:
- Jason Sammes, 51, jailed for 22 weeks and banned for 36 months after blowing 180mcg—over five times the limit.
- Ross Farrow, 37, slapped with a 22-month ban and fined £1,200 after failing a breath test in East Grinstead.
- Nelson Chumar, 41, received a suspended 12-week sentence and a 36-month ban for refusing a breath test.
- Pavel Poliacik, 35, banned 19 months and fined after testing positive near Lewes.
- Robert Horton, 23, hit with a 20-month ban and fines after a drink-driving offence in Crowborough.
Serious Consequences Await Drink and Drug-Drivers
Authorities warn drink and drug driving risks far more than fines and bans. Offenders risk:
- Causing death or serious injury
- Minimum 12-month driving bans
- Unlimited fines
- Prison sentences
- Criminal records impacting jobs and travel
- Higher insurance premiums
- Travel restrictions, including entry bans to countries like the USA
If you suspect someone is driving under the influence in Sussex, report it confidentially by texting 65999 or visiting the Operation Crackdown website.
