Three more charged with drink-driving

Aileen McColl, a student, of Comptons Lane, Horsham, was arrested in Denne Road, Horsham, on Sunday (January 3).

The 20-year-old was charged with driving with 47mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system.

She is due to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 21.

Mark Radcliffe, a company director, of Holmbush Lane in Fulking, Henfield, was arrested on the A23 at Bolney on Friday (January 1).

The 59-year-old was charged with driving with 65mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He is due to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 19.

Adam Holman, a warehouse man, of Moor Park Crescent in Crawley, was arrested in London Road, Henfield, on Saturday (January 2)

The 29-year-old was charged with driving with 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system.

He is due to appear before Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 21.

182 arrests have been made since Sussex and Surrey Police launched its joint campaign to crack down on drink and drug-driving, named Operation Dragonfly, on December 1.

Of these 182 a total of 27 people have been convicted, and a further 72 have been charged and are due to appear in court.

Phil Nicholas, chief inspector of the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit, said he was disappointed that a number of people continue to break the law, putting lives at risk.

He said: “I feel the campaign has been a success in that we have arrested a large number of people who may otherwise have been involved in an accident or ended up causing fatalities on the roads in Sussex.

“However, it is extremely disappointing that some people have not taken heed of the message, as is reflected in the statistics with 21 more people being arrested for drink and drug-driving related offences in the first three days of 2016 - 10 on New Year’s Day alone.

“It shows that this campaign is not aimed solely at targeting drink and drug-drivers at Christmas; it is a year-round strategy and we will continue to bring offenders to justice.”

He added: “Drink and drug-driving is dangerous and it’s antisocial, and we are reinforcing this message by publishing the names of those who are charged and convicted. In doing so, we are discouraging antisocial behaviour and illegal activity, and we hope this acts as a deterrent to motorists.

“We have also seen those who are prepared to drink and drive across a broad range of society, from young adults to pensioners, and from the unemployed to working professionals. No one is exempt from the law.

“Ultimately, we want people to realise it’s not worth losing their job or their licence - or their life - for the sake of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. The message is clear - drink or drive; never both.”

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/).

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