Lorry Driver Jailed After Drunken Crash Sparks Panic at Busy Holiday Park
Lorry Driver Over Three Times Legal Limit Crashes into Holiday Park
A 50-year-old lorry driver has been locked up after drunkenly crashing into a busy holiday park in Pagham, terrifying families and residents alike. Janis Rimovics, well over three times the UK’s legal alcohol limit, smashed into a parked car before recklessly driving his 44-tonne articulated lorry into a crowded holiday spot on a bustling Saturday evening.
Dangerous Drunk Driver Nearly Causes Disaster
The chaos unfolded on Church Lane when Rimovics hit a stationary vehicle, then barreled into a nearby holiday park full of children and holidaymakers. Witnesses say Rimovics tried to steer his massive lorry through the narrow park pathways despite pedestrians around, only stopping after members of the public confronted him.
Sussex Police arrived to find Rimovics almost unable to stand, reeking of booze. He was arrested on the spot and charged with dangerous driving and driving over the alcohol limit.
High Alcohol Readings & Empty Vodka Bottles Found
At Portsmouth Crown Court on October 18, details came to light showing the full extent of Rimovics’ intoxication. On August 25, at about 8:45pm, he crashed then fled into a dead-end at the holiday park, where he failed to reverse out and eventually fell asleep in his cab. Police breath tests recorded an alarming 128 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath – over three times the legal limit of 35 μg.
Officers also found empty vodka bottles in his lorry, highlighting his extreme drunken state.
Four Months Behind Bars and Driving Ban for Drunk Lorry Driver
Rimovics was sentenced to four months in prison and banned from driving for 18 months. Acting Sgt. Steven Lambeth of Sussex Roads Policing said:
“Rimovics was in charge of a large lorry while more than three times the legal alcohol limit. He was in no fit state to drive and was barely able to stand, let alone drive a vehicle when he arrived in custody. Drink-driving is one of the main reasons why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
Sgt. Lambeth added that Rimovics was lucky not to have caused serious injuries and praised swift police action that prevented potential tragedy.
Sussex Police Warns Against Drink-Driving
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of drink-driving, especially involving heavy vehicles. Sussex Police reinforced their dedication to road safety and reminded drivers of the harsh penalties and risks associated with driving under the influence.
