A man who was more than 11 times over the drug-driving limit has been disqualified from driving after crashing his motorcycle in Hassocks last year (2020).
Police said Neil Freeman was riding his black Suzuki on the A273 London Road when he tried to overtake a van on May 17.
He collided into the side of black Nissan Qashqai which was turning right into a garden centre.
The sole occupant in the Nissan was uninjured, despite the vehicle sustaining extensive damage. However, the incident had a significant effect on him.
Freeman suffered serious leg and head injuries after being thrown from his motorcycle into the opposite carriageway. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
A sample of blood revealed he had 565mcg of benzoylecgonine (the main metabolite of cocaine) per litre of blood in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.
The 42-year-old, of The Acorns, Burgess Hill, was subsequently served a postal requisition to face a charge of drug-driving.
He pleaded guilty to the offence, and at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 3 February, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
He was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
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.
“These laws are in place to protect everyone, and we will continue to enforce the law as we strive to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads each year. Our priority is to keep everyone safe on our roads, and to deal robustly with those who compromise the safety of themselves and others.”
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