A woman from West Sussex who struck a cyclist while four times over the drink-drive limit has been spared jail.
Police said the victim, a 44-year-old local woman, was cycling along the A2037 at Small Dole on November 13, at around 1.45pm, when she was hit from behind by a vehicle which failed to stop at the scene.
She was taken to hospital with multiple injuries, and 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 Sonal Shah, 42, a designer, 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 22 February, 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.
PC Ant Baker 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 our roads, along with speeding, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused
Comments
Add a comment