Sussex Police have launched a strong crackdown this Christmas, naming the first seven drink- and drug-driving offenders caught during their 2025 festive operation.
Since the operation began on 1 December, officers have stopped around 200 motorists for dangerous driving offences across Sussex.
One notable case involves 42-year-old Richard Bamsey, who crashed his Volkswagen Golf into a barrier on Camber Road, Camber, while claiming he “didn’t feel drunk.” Police found his car abandoned with airbags deployed. Bamsey, who works in the computer industry, recorded 45 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms, and was also uninsured.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 11 December, Bamsey received a 12-month driving ban, a £500 fine, court costs, and a victim surcharge.
Other offenders include:
- Andrzej Cichon (48), Bognor Regis: 152µg breath alcohol, sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 2 years, plus a 36-month driving ban.
- Daniel Conetta (33), Crawley carpet fitter: over the legal limit, given a 12-month ban, fine, and surcharge.
- Andrew Biffen (56), Pevensey: 81µg, received an 18-month ban and fine.
- Pritesh Chudasama (32), Horsham dentist: 65µg, handed an 18-month ban and fine.
- Roselia Cueto-Matias (45), Crawley: 50µg and no MOTs, given a 14-month ban and fine.
- Linas Pikturna (43), Littlehampton builder: 80µg, received a 20-month ban and fine.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, national roads policing lead, issued a serious warning about the consequences of drink- and drug-driving. She highlighted the harm caused to victims and their families and confirmed that increased patrols are in place throughout Christmas to protect road users.
“The punishments are harsh: minimum 12-month driving bans, unlimited fines, possible jail time, and criminal records that tank future job chances and travel plans,” Shiner said. “Just because you ‘feel fine’ doesn’t mean you’re under the legal limit. Alcohol sticks around in your system and can wreck your driving long after one drink.”
Sussex Police urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour on the roads to call 999 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Originally published by UKNIP.
