Seven drivers caught in Sussex drink and drug-driving crackdown this Christmas
Authorities issue fines, disqualifications, and suspended sentences as part of festive road safety campaign
A man who claimed he “didn’t feel drunk” yet crashed his car into a barrier is among the first seven people convicted in Sussex for drink or drug-driving this Christmas.
Police responded to a collision on Camber Road, Camber, on the evening of 10 December, finding a Volkswagen Golf abandoned with its airbags deployed. Concerns for the driver’s welfare led officers to an address on Whitesand Drive, where 42-year-old Richard Bamsey, a computer industry professional, was identified.
In a police interview, Bamsey attributed the crash to jet lag after a recent flight into the UK but admitted to drinking that afternoon. He failed a breath test, recording 45 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath—over the legal limit of 35 micrograms—and was also found to be driving without insurance.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 11 December, Bamsey received a 12-month driving ban, a £500 fine, £85 in court costs, and a £200 victim surcharge.
Sussex Police’s Christmas 2025 drink and drug-driving crackdown, launched on 1 December, has so far led to 200 arrests. Names of convicted individuals are being published to raise awareness and deter others from offending.
Other recent convictions include:
- Andrzej Cichon, 48, retired, Bognor Regis – Arrested on 4 December with 152 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. Received 12-week imprisonment, a 36-month driving ban, £85 costs, and £154 victim surcharge.
- Daniel Conetta, 33, carpet fitter, Crawley – Arrested on 4 December with 44 micrograms per 100ml. Disqualified for 12 months, fined £576, with £85 costs and £230 victim surcharge.
- Andrew Biffen, 56, driver, Pevensey – Arrested on 5 December with 81 micrograms per 100ml. Disqualified for 18 months, fined £300, and £154 victim surcharge.
- Pritesh Chudasama, 32, dentist, Crawley – Arrested on 6 December with 65 micrograms per 100ml. Disqualified for 18 months, fined £692, with £85 costs and £277 victim surcharge.
- Roselia Cueto-Matias, 45, Crawley – Arrested on 7 December with 50 micrograms per 100ml and no MOTs. Disqualified for 14 months, fined £350, with £85 costs and £140 victim surcharge.
- Linas Pikturna, 43, builder, Littlehampton – Arrested on 19 December with 80 micrograms per 100ml. Disqualified for 20 months, fined £450, with £85 costs and £180 victim surcharge.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:
“Every year, we see a number of innocent people killed or seriously injured on our roads by drivers who are high on drink or drugs, and it needs to stop.
“The impact on victims and their families is devastating, and no one should expect to receive a knock on the door to be told they have lost their loved one in a collision due to a drink or drug-driver.
“With the festive season still in full swing, we have stepped up patrols again this month – in addition to routine roads policing duties 365 days a year – to ensure we protect all road users in Sussex and bring those offenders to justice.”
Consequences of drink or drug-driving can include serious injury or death, a minimum 12-month driving ban, unlimited fines, possible imprisonment, a criminal record affecting employment, higher car insurance, and travel restrictions to some countries, such as the USA.