A DRINK driver who ploughed into a cyclist while more than four times the legal limit was spared a prison sentence.

Sonal Shah mowed down a 44-year-old woman at Small Dole near Steyning on the A2037.

The woman was struck from behind by Shah, who drove a Land Rover Freelander, and she needed hospital treatment for multiple injuries including a broken leg.

Shah, a designer, did not stop at the scene, but her car was found by police nearby.

She failed a roadside breath test, testing positive for 153 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg per 100ml.

At Worthing Magistrates Court Shad admitted drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of a crash.

She was given a 17-week suspended sentence, and was told to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

The court was told that Shah was on bail at the time of the crash on November 13 for an earlier offence of drink driving.

But she has made independent efforts to address her mental health problems and alcohol problems.

The victim in the case was able to begin her recovery the next day after being released from hospital.

Investigating officer, PC Ant Baker, of the Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “We hope this sentencing serves as a warning to anyone who thinks about driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“It is a serious offence with serious consequences and we will actively target those road users who choose to put others at risk.”

Sussex Police said: “Drink and drug-driving is one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads, along with speeding, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving.

“We will continue to work with partners, providing education and enforcement 365 days a year, in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads, and to crack down on offenders.

“If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences.”

Shah, of Penlands Vale, Steyning, must also complete ten rehabilitation sessions with the probation service and was banned from driving for five years.