West Sussex drink-driver avoids jail after hitting cyclist
She was found to be more than four times the drink-drive limit
A Steyning woman who struck a cyclist while more than four times the drink-drive limit has been convicted in court.
The incident happened on the A2037 at Small Dole at around 1.45pm on November 13th.
A 44-year-old local woman sustained multiple injuries after being hit from behind by a vehicle which failed to stop at the scene.
She was discharged the following day to continue her recovery at home.
Witnesses reported a silver Land Rover Freelander having been involved, and the vehicle was located by police nearby shortly afterwards.
The registered owner was identified as 42-year-old designer Sonal Shah, of Penlands Vale, Steyning.
After failing a roadside breath test, she was arrested and charged with driving with 153mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system, and failing to stop after a road traffic collision. The legal limit is 35mcg.
She pleaded guilty to both offences, and at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on February 22nd, she was sentenced to 17 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
She was also disqualified from driving for five years, and must complete 120 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months.
Investigating officer, PC Ant Baker, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:
“We hope this sentencing serves as a warning to anyone who thinks about driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
It is a serious offence with serious consequences and we will actively target those road users who choose to put others at risk.”
Drink and drug-driving is one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on the roads, along with speeding, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.
People in Sussex can text police 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.