Drink-driver sentenced after being caught on the M4 near Hungerford
He was witnessed swerving across lanes, almost colliding at speed with other vehicles
A man who was found to be more than four times over the drink drive limit has been sentenced.
Vincent Lime, 36, of Caswell Close, Corringham, Thurrock, was arrested on the M4 eastbound near junction 14 at approximately 3pm on December 6.
He was later charged with driving a vehicle otherwise in accordance with a licence and drink driving and appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court (5/1) where he pleaded guilty and was given a 30 month driving disqualification.
During the afternoon of December 6, we received multiple calls from members of the public concerned about the manner of driving of a Ford Fiesta on the M4 travelling eastbound near junction 15. Officers waited at Membury Services before spotting the vehicle and witnessing Lime swerving between lanes, nearly colliding with numerous vehicles and changing speed sporadically. They managed to stop the vehicle and Lime, who was visibly under the influence of alcohol, failed a roadside breath test giving a reading of 148 mg – more than four times over the legal limit, and then 143mg in custody.
He was also found to be only a provisional licence holder and the vehicle was seized.
Concerns
PC Davis of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Lime’s manner of driving caused three members of the public travelling on the M4 at the same time to call 999 to report their serious concerns about the danger he posed to them and others.
“He was witnessed swerving across lanes, almost colliding at speed with other vehicles. Thankfully, officers managed to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. Lime was so intoxicated it took him eight attempts to provide a roadside breath test. This was a busy Saturday afternoon in December – the roads were understandably busy and I am actually amazed that he didn’t cause a serious collision.
“Drink or drug driving is not tolerated in Wiltshire and I cannot stress enough how important it is to plan your journey home if you’re planning on consuming alcohol of an evening – this includes any trips you are planning on making the following day when you could still be over the legal limit. Never get behind the wheel of a car if you think you may be over the limit. The risk is never, ever worth it.”
As well as the disqualification, Lime must also pay £85 Crown Prosecution Service costs and a £114 surcharge.