Drink-driving Brighton bus driver avoids jail

A Brighton bus driver who was caught four times over the alcohol limit while driving passengers has avoided jail.

A passenger on The Big Lemon 52 route called police at about 08:30 GMT on 20 December after the bus being driven by Gilbert Kmiecik had taken a wrong turn and was being driven "erratically", Brighton Magistrates' Court heard.

Police officers then boarded the bus when it had 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, and was disqualified from driving for two years.

Defending Kmiecik, Josie Sonnessa said he was "deeply ashamed of his behaviour" and said he knows he "will not not be driving for a very long time".

She described him as a "hard-working family man" who has previously underplayed mental health issues and stresses affecting his life.

Kmiecik must undertake 120 hours unpaid work and will be fitted with a tag.

He also has to pay £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

The legal alcohol limit for drivers in England is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The BBC has contacted The Big Lemon for comment.

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