Sussex Police have revealed the names and sentences of the first seven people convicted of drink‑ or drug‑driving during their 2025 festive road safety campaign. The convictions form part of a wider operation launched on 1 December to tackle dangerous driving over the Christmas period
So far, around 200 people have been arrested as officers step up patrols across the county to deter motorists from getting behind the wheel while over the legal limit.
Among those convicted is a man who claimed he “didn’t feel drunk” despite crashing his car into a barrier in Camber Road, Camber.
Officers found the Volkswagen Golf abandoned with its airbags deployed and, following further enquiries, identified the driver as 42‑year‑old Richard Bamsey, a computer industry employee.
Bamsey failed a breath test, showing 45 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath — over the legal limit of 35 micrograms — and also had no insurance.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 11 December, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £500, and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.
The other six convicted drivers include:
- Andrzej Cichon (48) of Bognor Regis — charged with 152 µg of alcohol per 100 ml breath; received a 12‑week prison sentence suspended for 24 months, a 36‑month driving ban, and costs;
- Daniel Conetta (33), a carpet fitter from Crawley — over the drink‑drive limit; 12‑month ban, fine and surcharge;
- Andrew Biffen (56) of Pevensey — 81 µg; disqualified for 18 months and fined;
- Pritesh Chudasama (32), a dentist in Horsham — 65 µg; driving ban of 18 months and fine;
- Roselia Cueto‑Matias (45) of Crawley — 50 µg and no MOTs; 14‑month ban and fine;
- Linas Pikturna (43), a builder from Littlehampton — 80 µg; disqualified for 20 months and fined.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, national roads policing lead, reiterated the devastating impact drink‑ and drug‑driving can have on victims and families, and stressed that strengthened patrols are part of ongoing efforts to protect all road users during the festive season.
Drivers caught over the limit face serious consequences, including minimum 12‑month bans, unlimited fines, possible imprisonment, and a criminal record that could affect employment or travel.
Officers remind the public that even feeling “fine” is no guarantee one is below the legal limit — alcohol can remain in the system and impair driving ability long after drinking has stopped.
If you suspect someone is driving over the limit, Sussex Police urge people to call 999 immediately or report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers.
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