West Sussex crash motorcyclist was 11 times drug-drive limit
He's been banned from the roads following the incident last year
A motorcyclist who seriously injured himself in a crash in West Sussex was more than 11 times the drug-driving limit at the time.
Neil Freeman has been banned from the roads for a year following the incident in Hassocks on May 17th last year.
The 42-year-old, of The Acorns in Burgess Hill, had gone out for a 'quick ride' on his black Suzuki, which he had not ridden for some time, when the crash took place.
After attempting to overtake a van travelling northbound on the A273 London Road, he collided into the side of black Nissan Qashqai which was turning right into a garden centre.
Thankfully, the sole occupant in the Nissan was uninjured – despite the vehicle sustaining extensive damage – however the incident has had a significant effect on him.
The force of the impact caused Freeman to be thrown from his motorcycle into the opposite carriageway.
He suffered serious leg and head injuries, and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Freeman provided a sample of blood which revealed he had 565mcg of benzoylecgonine (the main metabolite of cocaine) per litre of blood in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Stacey Ellott, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:
“It is clear that Freeman had a hugely significant level of drugs in his system, which may well have contributed to the collision. He failed to see the dangers on the road ahead of him, and as a result he crashed into a car and seriously injured himself.
"It is extremely fortunate he did not kill himself or someone else that day.
“Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can seriously impair your ability to drive safely, and that’s why there are very strict legal limits. If you’re caught driving while over the limit of drink or drugs, you can expect to face the full force of the law. "
Freeman pleaded guilty to drug-driving and was sentenced at Crawley Magistrates' Court on February 3rd.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
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.
They 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.