Crackdown on drink-drivers yields more convictions

A police campaign to target drink and drug drivers in December resulted in the arrest of 208 individuals in Sussex.
Police in Surrey and Sussex ran a campaign to crack down on drink and drug drivers in December 2016. Picture: Sussex PolicePolice in Surrey and Sussex ran a campaign to crack down on drink and drug drivers in December 2016. Picture: Sussex Police
Police in Surrey and Sussex ran a campaign to crack down on drink and drug drivers in December 2016. Picture: Sussex Police

Officers across Surrey and Sussex carried out dedicated patrols targeting those suspected of driving while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol and raise awareness of the risks and possible consequences.

The campaign took place between December 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017

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In the past week a further 27 people were convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, bringing the number of those prosecuted in Sussex as part of the campaign so far to 51, police say.

Superintendent Chris Moon, head of roads policing for Surrey and Sussex, said: “While I am pleased to see that those caught breaking the law are facing the consequences of their actions by way of prosecution, it is still disappointing to see that a small minority of drivers think it is acceptable to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Driving while under the influence is a serious offence and it won’t be tolerated.

“Just over 28 per cent of those arrested in Sussex during the campaign were unfit to drive through drugs or were over the specified limit for having a controlled drug in their system.

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“This follows the introduction of prescribed limits for a number of legal and illegal drugs in March 2015.

“Since this time our officers have been using roadside drug wipe testing kits which take swabs from the motorist and can detect cocaine or cannabis use within 10 minutes.

“The consequences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs isn’t just a fine or a driving ban. You could lose your job, your family and potentially cause significant injury or even death. I would urge all drivers to think carefully before they get behind the wheel of their car.”

Those convicted in the past week include:

Lindsey McCarthy, 26, a residential care worker, of Oakapple Road, Southwick, was arrested on December 16 in Manor Road, Lancing and charged with driving with 61 mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system.

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She pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 3 and was disqualified from driving for 17 months. She was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Nicholas Annis, 29, a kitchen worker, of Arcade Road, Littlehampton, was arrested on December 17 in Vicarage Lane, East Preston and charged with driving with 40mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 3 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £261 fine, £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

Fiona Kitchener, 20, who is unemployed, of Sussex Gardens, Rustington, was arrested on December 18 in Sternway, Littlehampton and charged with driving with 61mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system.

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She pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 3 and was disqualified from driving for 17 months. He was also ordered to a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

Michael Davis, 57, a butcher, of Kings Stone Avenue, Steyning, was arrested on December 18 on the A283, Wiston and charged with driving with 71mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 3 and was disqualified from driving for 20 months. He was also ordered to pay a £450 fine, £85 costs and a £45 victim surcharge.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

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Members of the public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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