A woman who was three times over the legal alcohol limit when she collided with a lorry on the M4 has been banned from driving for 20 months.
Helen Bradshaw, 40, of School Road, Crynant, Wales, failed to stop at the scene of the crash near junction 16 on 4th February, despite her Peugeot sustaining significant front-end damage.
Officers traced the incident using skid marks and plastic debris leading off the motorway, eventually finding Bradshaw revving her damaged vehicle in a lay-by at around 10:30am. Initially, she denied being behind the wheel at the time of the collision but later admitted responsibility.
A roadside breath test conducted by Roads Policing Sergeant Will Ayres confirmed she was three times over the legal limit, resulting in her arrest for drink driving. Further checks revealed that Bradshaw was also driving without valid insurance.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (17th February), she pleaded guilty to both offences. In addition to the driving ban, she was handed a 12-month community order, including 20 days of rehabilitation activity, and ordered to pay a total of £299 in fines and costs.
Sgt Ayres condemned Bradshaw’s actions, stating: “It is shocking that despite the well-documented dangers of drink driving, people continue to put themselves and others at risk. This collision could have ended far worse.”
He added: “Drink driving is one of the fatal five offences, all of which dramatically increase the chances of serious or fatal collisions.”
Wiltshire Police urge the public to report any suspected drink or drug drivers by calling 101 or using the force’s online reporting system. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
