A drug-driver has been given a suspended sentence and banned from driving for two years after she struck a pedestrian, pinning him against another vehicle.
Amy Godfrey, 36, who is unemployed from Canberra Place in Horsham, failed a DrugWipe test which showed she had 518mcg benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine – per litre of blood in her system. The legal limit is 50mcg.
The pedestrian, a 28-year-old local man, sustained injuries including a broken arm and fractured pelvis, while she parked and entered her home without checking on him - he remained in hospital for several days.
Godfrey was driving a blue Mitsubishi Shogun when the collision occurred within metres of her address at about 6.55am on 26 May 2020.
Police attended the scene and Godfrey was arrested at her address.
She was subsequently arrested, and charged with drug-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
She initially denied the offences, but pleaded guilty just before the case was due to go to trial.
At Lewes Crown Court on 8 July, Godfrey was sentenced to a total of 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
She was also disqualified from driving for two years and must take an extended re-test if she wishes to drive again.
Investigating officer, PC Steve Bucksey, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:
“This incident demonstrates the serious consequences of drug-driving.
“Godfrey was more than 10 times the legal limit and continued driving despite knowing she had hit someone.
“The serious injuries sustained by the victim has prevented him from working and has meant he has been unable to provide for his family.”
If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include the following:
Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
- 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 costs;
- 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.
If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.
Man Admits To Damaging Cars In Bognor
Two Men Arrested In Connection With Brighton Rape
Appeal Following Assault In Horsham Shop
Appeal After Arson At Gym In Burgess Hill
Two Men Sought In Connection With Brighton Rape
Councillors Support Baby Box Partnership With Charities
Brighton And Hove Bus Fare Cap Bid Foiled By Cost
New Medical Centre Scoping Exercise Agreed By Wealden Council
'Out Of This World' Ideas Put Forward For Future Of Brighton i360
New Fire Engines For West Sussex