A lorry driver caught driving almost five times over the legal alcohol limit on the M23 has been sentenced to three months in prison. The incident, which posed significant risks to public safety, occurred in the early hours of January 11, south of Crawley.
Dainius Juodis, 50, formerly of Grafton Road, Worcester Park, Surrey, was arrested after initially failing to stop for Sussex Police officers. Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) officers noticed the heavy goods vehicle swerving dangerously on the A23 near Pease Pottage. Despite activating blue lights, Juodis continued driving for nearly four miles before stopping in a live lane of the M23, forcing officers to close four lanes of traffic to safely detain him.

At the scene, a breath test confirmed Juodis was severely over the limit, with a reading of 172 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—nearly five times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. Further investigations revealed he had consumed half a bottle of vodka before driving. He also had a history of similar drink-driving convictions.
Court Sentencing
Juodis appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 13, where he admitted the charge of driving over the legal alcohol limit. The court sentenced him to three months in prison and disqualified him from driving for five years.
Police Warning and Campaign
The arrest comes amid Sussex Police’s Operation Limit, a winter campaign running from December 1 to January 1, targeting drink and drug-driving offences. The campaign highlights the dangers of impaired driving, which remains one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads.
TFU Inspector Mark Robinson emphasised the seriousness of the incident, praising officers for their professionalism in managing a highly dangerous situation. He stated, “By the manner of his driving, Juodis is incredibly lucky not to have caused serious harm or a fatality on our roads.”
Sussex Police continue to publish the names of those convicted during Operation Limit to deter others from committing similar offences.