Former Casualty and Holby City actress Amanda Mealing has admitted causing a serious road crash while under the influence of cocaine — an incident that left a nurse with life-altering injuries.

The 57-year-old, known for her iconic role as consultant Connie Beauchamp in the BBC medical dramas, appeared in court under her married name Amanda Sainsbury, where she pleaded guilty to drug-driving and driving without due care and attention.

The collision happened at 10:14am in January 2024 on the A1175 at Hop Pole, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, as district nurse and councillor Mark Le Sage was on his way to work. Mealing’s Mini Cooper veered into the oncoming lane and smashed into Le Sage’s Skoda, spinning his vehicle and trapping his foot under the pedal.

Cocaine Levels Nearly Double Legal Limit

Prosecutor Marie Stace told the court that Mealing had 18mcg of cocaine per litre of blood, nearly double the legal limit of 10mcg, and over 240mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite — almost five times the legal limit of 50mcg.

The crash left Mealing herself with a head wound, a broken wrist and a fractured collarbone, but it was Le Sage who bore the worst of the injuries.

Victim Left Unable to Work

Le Sage told the court that he can no longer work as a theatre nurse due to severe nerve damage affecting his fine motor skills. He also spoke of constant pain, nightmares, flashbacks, and loss of hobbies, including playing in his band and water polo.

“I was just on my way to work like any other day — and my life changed in an instant,” he said, adding that his physical and emotional trauma has taken a lasting toll.

Mealing Claims She ‘Doesn’t Know What Happened’

Mealing’s solicitor Edward Lloyd claimed she was deeply ashamed, noting her brother had died from a drug overdose at age 18. He said Mealing had been struggling with grief from the loss of her father, best friend and pet dog, and had taken cocaine during a night spent with a friend.

He also suggested a possible hypoglycaemic episode at the time of the crash, although no medical evidence of diabetes was presented in court. “She suspects she may have been unconscious,” Lloyd told the magistrates.

Sentencing and Ban

The court banned Mealing from driving for 22 months, issued a £485 fine, and noted that the matter of compensation would be handled by insurers. Mealing, who has previous driving bans under the penalty points system, is currently unemployed and receiving a token salary of £935 a month from her employer.

“Glad It’s Over”

Speaking outside court, Le Sage said: “I’m glad it’s over for my family and I’m lucky to have their support. I hope the Sainsbury family can now also get on with their lives.”

The actress, best known for her work on Casualty, Holby City, and appearances in Four Weddings and a Funeral, also directed episodes of Waterloo Road and Coronation Street. She left Casualty in 2021 after a seven-year stint.

Mealing is expected to remain off the roads for nearly two years following her ban.