Worthing motorcylist imprisoned for road death after drinking

Arthur Burke, 52, of Boundary Road, Worthing, pleaded guilty at Chichester Crown Court on Thursday 26 January to causing death by careless driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

 

Alan Barber, 71, of North Lane, Portslade was crossing North Street in Worthing on 1 July last year when he was hit by Burke. Mr Barber died at the scene from his injuries.

Sergeant Tony Crisp of the Sussex Road Policing Unit said; "This was a very tragic crash which has had a significant effect on Mr Barber's family. It clearly highlights the severe dangers of drink driving. We work hard with partner agencies to educate, prevent and deter people from drinking and driving, but for those few who are willing to risk their lives and lives of others by doing so they can expect to be arrested, charged and, if convicted, significant sentences."

 

Alan Barber's widow Christine, who saw the tragic incident, said; "My life and lives of my family and Alan's family have been competely shattered by his traumatic death. We had only eight months retirement together before Burke took my love away from me and took away our future together. I would like to thank my GP and Sussex Police for all they have done to help me through this tragedy. Burke did not consider the lethal consequences of could and did happen after he drank alcohol and then rode his motorbike carelessly that day."

 

The public can report drink drivers though Operation Crackdown via http://www.operationcrackdown.org/, or direct to Sussex Police using the non-emergency 101 number, or by dialling 999 if they see what they think is drink driving actually taking place.