M5 driver who refused breath test to be sentenced
The 45-year-old admitted the offences and faces sentencing next month
A van driver who refused to provide a breath sample after reportedly swerving across the M5 will be sentenced next month.
Stuart Kent, 45, from Benfieldside, Durham, pleaded guilty to charges of driving without due care and attention, failing to cooperate with a preliminary test, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis during his appearance at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on 15th December.
Kent, who has been temporarily banned from driving, is set to be sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 27th January 2025.
The charges follow an incident on the evening of 30th November, when Kent’s Vauxhall Vivaro panel van was spotted swerving on the southbound M5 from Avonmouth. According to officers, the vehicle was moving erratically between lanes and coming dangerously close to other cars.
Police used a stinger device to stop the van near Taunton Deane Motorway Services. Kent reportedly smelled strongly of alcohol and refused to provide a breath sample while in a patrol car, before later refusing another test at Bridgwater custody unit without giving a medical explanation.
“If you drink or drug drive and you are involved in a collision, you are much more likely to lose your life or kill somebody else, and I think that message really does need to sink home with some people,” PC Nick Steele of the roads policing unit said.
“Most people need a car to get to work and a driving licence to do their jobs, and if you lose that licence it will mean having a very uncomfortable conversation with a supervisor or a manager because you cannot fulfil that role.
“If you fail to provide a sample, you will be charged with that offence which can be as serious as drink driving itself.”
Avon and Somerset Police have arrested 181 people on suspicion of drink or drug driving since their annual Christmas roads policing operation launched on 1st December. This is an increase from last year’s 148 arrests during the same period.
The force’s roads policing team is encouraging people across Avon and Somerset to report anyone they suspect of driving under the influence. They said drink or drug driving has contributed to 25 per cent of fatal collisions throughout the year.