A driver who left a trail of collisions across Swindon before being stopped on the motorway has been handed a lengthy driving ban.
Rares Rotaru, 34, of Slough, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 23 March, where he admitted a string of offences including drink driving, failing to stop after a collision and driving without a licence.
He was disqualified from driving for 48 months and given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
The case followed a series of incidents on 24 January which began with a report of dangerous driving on the A419. A caller told police the driver of a Citroën van appeared to be trying to force other vehicles off the road.
Shortly afterwards, officers were called to a collision at Waitrose in Mill Lane, where the same vehicle had been involved in a crash but failed to stop.
Later that day, another collision was reported in Broome Manor Lane. On that occasion, the driver admitted he had been drinking but again left the scene.
Officers from Wiltshire Police eventually tracked the vehicle to the M4 motorway, where Rotaru was arrested. He failed to provide a breath sample both at the roadside and in custody.
Detective Sergeant Scott Young said the outcome was down in part to quick action from the public.
“He attempted to avoid being reported and continue with his day,” he said. “Thanks to timely reports and clear descriptions, we were able to locate him and prevent further harm.”
In addition to the driving ban and suspended sentence, Rotaru was ordered to pay a surcharge and court costs.
The case serves as a reminder of the risks posed by dangerous driving — and the role of those who report it when it happens.
