KATIE Price says she is “incredibly sorry” for her actions after avoiding jail at the sentencing for her drink-driving crash.
The Brighton-born celebrity was handed a suspended sentence after crashing on the B2135 near Partridge Green in September.
The 43-year-old was given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions to be completed within the next 12 months.
She was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Katie said she is “sincerely grateful nobody was hurt”.
In a statement on Instagram, she thanked her friends and family, including partner Carl Wood, for their support.
“It’s been a really difficult time and I’m incredibly sorry for my actions – I’m sincerely grateful nobody was hurt – I realise the damage my actions could have caused not only to another family, but to my own as well,” she said.
“I’m now spending time getting better — mental health is a hidden illness and can strike at any time.
“The triggers that cause my anxiety and behaviour are something I’m trying to understand, come to terms with, and learn to control moving forward.
“This will be a long process for myself and something I’ll continue to work on for the rest of my life. It’s also something I can work on with my family so we can progress on a new chapter together.
“Thank you for all the messages of goodwill that I’ve received. I’m going to surround myself with my loving family and friends and continue doing the work I love as it brings me enjoyment and helps my mental health.”
Sussex Police said the force was exploring whether they can appeal her sentence.
Supt James Collis, head of Roads Policing for Sussex Police and Surrey Police, said: “The sentencing, as the judge explained, could have and should have been much worse and, in our view, Price is extremely lucky not to be spending Christmas behind bars.
“Given the circumstances and her history of motoring offences, it’s clear she did not consider the risk of her actions to the wider public or the implications for her own family.
“We are now exploring whether we can appeal this sentence.”
Price, of Dial Post, Horsham, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, without insurance and while unfit through drink after rolling her BMW at 6.20am on September 28.
Ahead of sentencing, District Judge Kelly told the former glamour model: "When you chose to get behind the wheel that night you showed no concern for others.
"You could have killed somebody.
"Your actions meant the emergency services had to use up their precious time. You knowingly and deliberately flouted a court order and not for the first time.
"You seem to think you are above the law."
Katie had already been banned from driving on six separate occasions before Wednesday’s sentencing.
District Judge Kelly told the court that Price already owes £7,358 in relation to previous offences.
Katie entered her pleas at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on September 29, a day after telling police: “I took drugs, I should not be driving, I admit it all.”
At the hearing, her sentencing was adjourned on the condition she completed a stay at The Priory rehabilitation clinic.
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