Driver disqualified after high-speed crash in Brighton

A dangerous driver who reached high speed before colliding into a railway bridge in Brighton has been disqualified.

Sussex Police are sharing the footage to raise awareness of efforts to tackle speeding motorists, with increased patrols taking place last month.

Excess speed is one of the main causes of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.

The shocking video shows Robert McKee driving in a Volkswagen in Hollingdean Road.

It shows the moment his vehicle collided into a barrier and the corner of a railway bridge after he lost control.

The dashcam records his speed reaching more than 50mph in a 20mph zone immediately before the impact.

In the aftermath of the collision McKee is heard saying: “Oh my days.”

Images also show the damage caused to the vehicle.

A member of the public helped detain McKee and he was then arrested by officers.

He completed a roadside breath test which showed he was below the legal drink-drive limit.

McKee, 20, an electrician of Stanmer Park Road, Brighton, appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 4, where he admitted dangerous driving.

The court was told how the incident happened on May 1 this year.

Video footage from inside McKee’s vehicle shows him driving erratically and at high speed, with loud music playing.

McKee was disqualified from driving for 18 months and must complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) sessions as part of a community order.

The court also ordered him to pay a £750 fine, £300 surcharge and £85 costs.

Chief Inspector Chris Tinney from the Roads Policing Unit said: “McKee put the safety of himself and other road users at risk with his appalling driving.

“He admitted himself that his driving was dangerous and I am pleased to now see this conviction at court.

“Speeding is a major factor for one in three serious injury or fatal collisions in Sussex. McKee was incredibly lucky that he did not add to that sobering statistic.

“That is why our officers carried out increased enforcement patrols across Surrey and Sussex last month.

“This was in addition to roads policing checks to prevent speeding drivers, which continue 24/7, all year round.

“We are determined to catch drivers who risk causing so much harm through excess speed.

“McKee has had to pay a high price for his actions, and we are pleased that a dangerous driver has been taken off our roads.

“I would also like to thank the members of the public for helping us to identify and detain McKee as the driver of the vehicle.”