Former casualty and Holby City actress Amanda Mealing admitted to drug-driving after crashing into a nurse’s car while nearly five times over the legal cocaine limit.

Amanda Mealing, widely recognised for her role as Connie Beauchamp in Casualty and Holby City, caused a devastating crash while under the influence of cocaine. The 56-year-old actress ploughed her Mini Cooper into the vehicle of Mark Le Sage, a nurse and district councillor, on the A1175 near Stamford, Lincolnshire, just after 10 a.m. in January last year.

Boston Magistrates’ Court heard how Mealing had 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in her blood—almost five times the legal limit. Tests also revealed 18 micrograms of cocaine in her system, nearly double the permitted level. The impact left Mr Le Sage with severe injuries, forcing him to abandon his medical career and his passions, including playing keyboard in a local band and water polo.

Prosecutor Marie Stace described how Mr Le Sage recalled a sudden explosion before his car spun out of control. “His foot was trapped under the pedal, and smoke filled the vehicle. He panicked, struggling to escape before paramedics arrived and rushed him to hospital,” she said.

A witness driving behind Mealing’s Mini saw the car veer into the opposite lane and assumed an obstacle had caused the swerve. However, in a police interview, Mealing admitted to taking cocaine the night before.

Reading his victim impact statement in court, Mr Le Sage detailed how the accident shattered his life. “I can no longer work as a theatre nurse. My fine motor skills are gone, my hobbies are impossible, and I live in constant pain,” he said. He also revealed he suffers from flashbacks and nightmares, leaving him mentally scarred.

Mealing, appearing in court under her married name, Amanda Sainsbury, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and driving without due care and attention. Magistrates banned her from driving for 22 months and imposed a £485 fine.

Defending her, solicitor Edward Lloyd argued that while Mealing accepted responsibility, she disputed the severity of Mr Le Sage’s injuries. He claimed there was no ambulance record of his hospital admission and no medical evidence proving his long-term disabilities.

Lloyd explained that Mealing had recently endured a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of her father, best friend, and dog, while also navigating a divorce. The actress insisted she was not a habitual drug user, citing the overdose death of her 18-year-old brother as a painful lesson.

The court heard that Mealing had been driving home from a friend’s house when she lost control of her vehicle, crashing just yards from her front door. Paramedics initially suspected she suffered a hypoglycaemic attack due to extremely low blood sugar levels, though experts later ruled out unconsciousness as a factor.

Lloyd admitted that while Mealing could not recall the exact moment of impact, she had no choice but to plead guilty. “She was horrified then, and she remains horrified now,” he said.

The court ruled out a compensation order, stating that insurance companies would handle damages.

After the hearing, Mr Le Sage expressed relief that the legal battle was over. “It’s been a nightmare for me and my family. I’m lucky to have their support, and I hope the Sainsbury family can now move on too,” he said.

Mealing, once a celebrated face on British television, now faces the repercussions of her reckless decision—a ruined reputation and a life forever marked by one fateful morning.