A MOTORIST nearly ploughed into two police officers after losing control of his car while almost three times the drink-drive limit.

The officers were heading east in their patrol car along Marine Parade, Eastbourne, when the Audi A5 of Jean Duvivier sped out of Colonnade Road across their path, crossed the junction and crashed into parked cars on the opposite side of the road.

Duvivier, 32, tried to get out of his car after the crash at 1.05am on December 7 but was unable to stand properly and his speech was slurred.

When the 32-year-old was arrested he was found to have 101 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of his breath – almost three times the 35 microgrammes legal limit.

Superintendent Jane Derrick said: “As soon as Duvivier had got out of his car, he admitted to officers that he had been stupid to drink and drive but it is fortunate that he was able to talk to them at all - they could all have been seriously injured or even killed because of him.”

Duvivier, of Hartington Place, Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates' Court on January 28.

He was banned from driving for four years, ordered to do 150 hours of community service and told to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Supt Derrick added: “Luckily Duvivier was able to reflect on his actions and no one was hurt. This is not the case for so many people who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Often they have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives, consequences which affect their family and friends as well as the family and friends of those injured or killed.

“We will not tolerate drink-driving and I would urge anyone that suspects someone is driving after drinking to contact us urgently so we can step in.

“It could save someone's life.”

A total of 45 people have so far been convicted after being arrested during Sussex Police's December crackdown on drink and drug-driving.

Text officers on 65999 with the details of people you suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs call 999.

In other cases...

Simon Slade, 53, was arrested at 8.10pm on 5 December in Church Road, Warbleton, after officers on patrol saw him leaving a pub in the village and stopped him when he drove away in his car. Slade, of Warbleton, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on January 29. He was banned from driving for 17 months and ordered to pay a £110 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Ashton Woolley, 26, was arrested at 9.15pm on December 5 in The Street, Rustington, after officers saw him driving erratically on the A259.

Woolley, of Lavinia Way, East Preston, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court on January 29. He was banned from driving for 36 months and ordered to pay a £250 fine, £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Jeffrey Green, 40, was arrested at 11.20pm on December 6 in New England Road, Brighton, after officers saw his car swerve and almost hit the kerb. Green, of Westham, Pevensey, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on December 23. He was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Cenek Kuna, 37, was arrested at 11pm on December 13 at a drink-driving check in Richmond Road, Pevensey. Kuna, of Eversfield Place, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Hastings Magistrates' Court on January 28. He was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.