Chichester and Bognor residents among motorists convicted of drink-driving over Christmas

According to Sussex Police, 31 motorists have so far been convicted as part of its joint Christmas crackdown campaign, with Surrey Police, on drink and drug-drivers.

The campaign – set by the National Police Chief’s Council – ran from December 18 to January 1 inclusive, and led to a total of 110 arrests in Sussex.

Police said Ricky Westbrook, 46, a maintenance employee, of Elm Close, Bracklesham Bay, was arrested in Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis, on December 20 and charged with driving with 66mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 28, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay a £164 fine, £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Fallon Lake, 33, a housekeeper, of Stoneypost Close, Oving, was arrested in Shopwhyke Road, Chichester, on December 22 and charged with driving with 62mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system, police revealed.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 28, she was disqualified from driving for 17 months. She was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Police also named Benedict O’Byle, 37, a furniture maker, of Nomansland, St Albans, Hertfordshire, as the man arrested in Hunston, Chichester, on December 22 and charged with driving with 71mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 28, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay a £343 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

On Christmas Day, Denis Priachin, 37, unemployed, of St Winifreds Close, Bognor Regis, was arrested in The Esplanade, Bognor Regis, and charged with driving with 78mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, police said. 

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 28, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Police said Kastytis Bartkus, 29, a carpenter, of White Acre, Wick, was arrested in Felpham Road, Bognor Regis, on December 28, and charged with driving with 52mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system and driving with no insurance.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 28, he was disqualified from driving for 14 months. He was also ordered to pay a £450 fine, £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

A police spokesperson said: “If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include the following; killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else; a minimum 12 month ban; an unlimited fine; a possible prison sentence; a criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment; an increase in your car insurance costs; trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.”

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website. 

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. 

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

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