Nursing assistant and mechanic from Bognor Regis convicted of drink-driving

According to Sussex Police, a total of 83 motorists were arrested in the county during the dedicated two-week campaign against drink and drug-driving, which ran from June 29 to July 12.

Police said Laura Dempster, 32, a nursing assistant, of Tangmere Gardens, Bognor Regis, was arrested in Tangmere Gardens on July 11 and charged with driving with 86mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system.

A spokesperson said: "At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on September 21, she was disqualified from driving for 17 months. She was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge."

Ainars Stambergs, 30, a mechanic, of Wood Street, Bognor Regis, was arrested in The Esplanade on July 12 and charged with driving with 79mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, police said.

The spokesperson added: "At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on September 22, he was disqualified from driving for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine, £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge."

Sussex Police said the operation aimed to 'provide education and enforcement' to motorists, and is run in addition to the routine roads policing activity, 365 days a year.

Of those arrested, 21 have since been convicted in court. The remaining have either been charged, released under investigation or released without charge, police said.

"If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences," the spokesperson said.

These could include the following:

- Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;

- A minimum 12 month ban;

- An unlimited fine;

- A possible prison sentence;

- A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;

- An increase in your car insurance costs;

- Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

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