A23 speeding driver Richard Freshwater found guilty in court

Richard Freshwater was seen weaving in and out of traffic at Warninglid by an officer on an unmarked motorcycle.

The 46-year-old store manager was trying to get to a national meeting in Crawley ahead of the first coronavirus lockdown in March last year.

Freshwater was found not guilty of dangerous driving, but was found guilty of driving without due care and attention.

It followed a two-day trial at Chichester Crown Court, where cases have resumed this month after the building was unused for nearly four years.

PC Mark Stoner flagged Freshwater down. He said: “Richard Freshwater posed a serious and considerable risk to other road users on the morning in question.

Chichester Crown Court

“Had any of those unsuspecting drivers decided to change lane or brake for whatever reason, a collision would have been unavoidable due to the speed and manner which Freshwater chose to drive at.

“It could have been a very different outcome that morning, and it is only by luck that a collision didn’t occur and that nobody was seriously injured.”

The judge praised PC Stoner for his bravery and dedication in protecting the public from the risk posed by Freshwater.

Roads policing officers stopped Freshwater on the A23 as he clocked 100mph

PC Stoner added: “Speeding and careless driving are two of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injuries on our roads, along with drink/drug-driving, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt. These are referred to as the ‘fatal five’ offences for a reason

Freshwater, of Hawkins Road, Shoreham, was disqualified from driving for three months, his licence was endorsed with six penalty points and he was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine.