A drink driver who was caught doing 100mph on the A259 before crashing into a motorcyclist who sustained “life-changing” injuries has been jailed.
Leigh Garside, of Donald Way in Winchelsea, had drunk three pints of beer before getting behind the wheel of his Mercedes and veering onto the wrong side of the road in Ferry Hill.
After hitting the motorcyclist, the 39-year-old drove away before stopping a short distance from the collision.
In custody, he was found to be nearly three times the legal limit.
Sussex Police PC Richard Brand said: “On the day of the incident Garside took unnecessary risks.
“He was driving well in excess of the speed limit, and he was drunk.
“His driving showed a total lack of regard for the safety of other road users and himself.
“Dangerous driving and drink driving will not be tolerated on the roads of Sussex and anyone caught committing these offences will be dealt with robustly.”
Garside, a transport driver, was caught earlier on August 14, 2022, reaching 100mph on the A259 in Icklesham.
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He was travelling at around 45mph at the time of the crash in a 30mph zone. Despite his airbags going off he drove away from the scene before stopping further down the road.
Garside also failed to stop near Winchelsea when asked to do so by police prior to the crash.
He tested as having 96 mcg of alcohol in his breath, with the legal limit being 35 mcg.
The injured motorcyclist, from Essex, is still receiving treatment for his “life-changing” injuries which have had a “profound effect on him and his family”.
Garside pleaded guilty to drink driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Lewes Crown Court on February 15.
He was jailed for two and a half years and has been disqualified from driving for six years and three months.
PC Brand added: “We are pleased with the outcome of this court case, to remove a dangerous driver from our roads.
“Garside has now lost his freedom as a result of his actions and may not drive a vehicle for some considerable time once he is released.”
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