Driver over alcohol limit avoids jail

A bus driver from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, who had passengers on board his vehicle whilst he was four times over the alcohol limit, has avoided jail.

One of the passengers on The Big Lemon route 52 service called police at about 08 30 (8.30 a.m.) on Friday 20th December 2024 after the bus, driven erratically by Gilbert Kmiecik, took a wrong turn, Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard.

Following the call, officers from Sussex Police boarded the bus when it stopped at St George’s Place and breathalysed Kmiecik.

The 57-year-old, from Peacehaven, received a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months; the court also disqualified him from driving for two years.