Driver banned from roads after drink-driving crash in Pulborough

Jonathan Onions, of Elmwood Avenue, Bognor, crashed into a Renault Laguna that had been abandoned on the A29 Stane Street at 10pm on June 18, police have said.

They added the 52-year-old then span into the path of another Volkswagen Transporter travelling in the opposite direction.

Police said Onions stopped to have several pints of lager on his way home from work but then got back behind the wheel of his blue Volkswagen Transporter before the accident occurred.

He pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on July 7.

He was banned from driving for 36 months, fined £500 and ordered to pay £235 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

Chief Inspector Phil Nicholas, of Surrey and Sussex roads policing unit, said: “Luckily both drivers escaped with minor injuries but this could have been a very serious or even fatal crash.

“Onions knew he shouldn’t have mixed drinking and driving but decided to chance his arm. It could have cost him his life.

“If you think someone is about to drive after drinking tell us so we can get there before it is too late.”

A total of 53 people have so far been convicted of offences as part of the summer Operation Dragonfly drink and drug-driving campaign.

Reginald Acquaah, of Church Close, Upper Beeding, was arrested at 11.30pm on June 5 after officers stopped his BMW X5 as it was travelling at 51mph in a 30mph on a stretch of the A259 Brighton Road in Lancing.

The 37-year-old, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and speeding when he appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on July 2.

He was banned from driving for 13 months, fined £250 and ordered to pay £235 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

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