Driver was more than four times over limit

David West, 47, St James' Close, went up the back of a line of three other cars which were travelling eastbound on the A27 Polegate bypass at 745am on Tuesday May 19.

West was driving a blue Toyota Avensis at the time and three people suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Police attended and West provided a positive breath test. He was arrested and taken to Eastbourne Police Station.

Once there West provided two samples of breath, the lowest of which was 160mcg of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Bail was refused and West appeared before Eastbourne magistrates the following morning where he pleaded guilty to drink driving.

He was sentenced to 30 months' disqualification, a 12-month Community Order and ordered to pay a 60 fine.

Sergeant David Morgan, of East Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: "This driver showed a blatant disregard for the safety and lives of other road users.

"The alcohol level was one of the highest recorded levels we have come across and is over four-and-a-half times the legal limit.

"There is no excuse for this totally irresponsible and dangerous behaviour and whilst this is an extreme example, it is not an isolated incident.

"Sussex Police are committed to reducing casualties on the road and will robustly target anyone who chooses to drink and drive or whose manner of driving puts themselves and others at risk."