Drink-Driver Banned After Head-On Crash Left Young Man Seriously Injured

A drink-driver who caused a head-on collision, leaving a young passenger seriously injured, has been disqualified from driving.

James Lamont, 28, of Chichester, was behind the wheel of an Audi Q2 travelling westbound on the A259 Bognor Road towards Chichester at around 4am on 10 August last year, when he crossed into the opposite carriageway for reasons that remain unclear.

His vehicle collided head-on with a BMW 3 Series, which was being driven on the correct side of the road.

The passenger in the BMW, a 20-year-old man from Bognor, suffered a broken leg and continues to be affected by his injuries in daily life.

In a victim impact statement, he described experiencing flashbacks several times a week and ongoing mental health struggles following the crash, saying the incident has impacted his work, relationships and overall wellbeing.

He also said he hopes to return to his normal routine, including getting back to work and the gym.

Emergency services attended the scene and found Lamont had glazed eyes, was unsteady on his feet and smelled strongly of alcohol.

He was arrested and later charged with causing serious injury by careless driving and drink-driving.

Tests showed he had 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood — above the legal limit of 80.

Lamont pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on 3 March.

He was given a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for 24 months, fined £455, and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.

PC Jed Gobey, from the Roads Policing Unit, said driving under the influence is dangerous and selfish, adding that it can change lives in an instant and urging motorists: drink or drive, never both.