Veterinary surgeon among three caught drink-driving in Mid Sussex over Christmas

A veterinary surgeon is among three drivers caught drink-driving in Mid Sussex over the Christmas period.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Duncan Gipson, 45, a veterinary surgeon, of Henfield Road, Cowfold, was arrested in Stonefield Way, Burgess Hill, on December 17, and charged with driving with 106mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, police said.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 4, he was disqualified from driving for 36 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge, police said.

Sussex Police arrested 240 people during a Christmas crackdownSussex Police arrested 240 people during a Christmas crackdown
Sussex Police arrested 240 people during a Christmas crackdown

Elizabeth Collins, 32, unemployed, of no fixed address, was arrested in London Road, Burgess Hill, on December 20, and charged with driving with failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis when suspected of having driven a vehicle and driving with no licence, police said.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 9, she was disqualified from driving for 12 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order. She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £85 victim surcharge.

Scott Dean, 43, a carpenter, of Bodiam Avenue, Brighton, was arrested in Fox Hill, Haywards Heath, on December 2, and charged with driving with 78mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, police said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 9, he was disqualified from driving for 17 months. He was also ordered to pay a £500 fine, £85 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

The three are among the latest people convicted as part of Sussex Police’s drink-drive crackdown over Christmas.

A total of 240 arrests were made in Sussex during the festive campaign, which ran from December 1, 2018, to January 1, 2019.

Of these, 57 have so far been convicted. A further 36 have been charged to attend court, and the remaining have either been released under investigation pending further enquiries or released without charge.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include the following:

– 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;

– 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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