A 50-year-old lorry driver has been sentenced to prison after crashing his vehicle in Pagham while intoxicated, sparking alarm among holidaymakers and nearby residents. Janis Rimovics, who was found to be over three times the legal alcohol limit, collided with a parked car before recklessly entering a bustling holiday park on a Saturday evening during peak summer.
The incident began when Rimovics, operating a 44-tonne articulated lorry, struck a stationary vehicle on Church Lane and proceeded into a nearby holiday park filled with families and children. Witnesses reported that, despite the presence of pedestrians, he attempted to maneuver the large vehicle through the park until concerned members of the public managed to convince him to stop.
Upon arrival, Sussex Police officers observed Rimovics was too intoxicated to stand, with a noticeable odor of alcohol emanating from him. He was subsequently arrested and charged with both dangerous driving and driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
High Alcohol Levels Lead to Arrest
Details shared during Rimovics’ sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on October 18 revealed the gravity of the incident. On August 25, around 8:45 p.m., Rimovics collided with a parked car before speeding off into the holiday park. Once trapped in a dead-end, he attempted to reverse but failed and eventually fell asleep inside his cab. Upon taking him into custody, officers recorded a breath alcohol reading of 128 micrograms (μg) per 100 milliliters (ml) of breath—more than three times the legal limit of 35 μg. Officers also discovered empty vodka bottles inside his vehicle, underscoring his extreme state of inebriation.
The court sentenced Rimovics to four months in prison and imposed an 18-month driving disqualification, emphasizing the severe risk he posed to both himself and the public.
Acting Sergeant Steven Lambeth of the Roads Policing Unit commented on the case, stating, “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 fortunate not to have caused serious harm that night, and praised the swift removal of a dangerous driver from the roads, preventing any potential tragedies.
The case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by drink-driving, especially involving large vehicles. Sussex Police reaffirmed their commitment to keeping roads safe, reminding the public of the severe consequences of driving under the influence.
