Drink driver sentenced after driving on the wrong side of A38 in Taunton
Francis Siyachitema, 50, had been given a 32 month driving ban
Last updated 12th Jun 2026
A 50-year-old man from Taunton has been sentenced after being caught driving on the wrong side of a dual carriageway while over drink-drive limit.
Francis Siyachitema was given a 32 month driving ban at Taunton Magistrates Court on 8 June after admitting driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol.
Siyachitema was stopped on the evening of 4th May when a patrolling police officer observed his Toyota Yaris travelling against the flow of traffic on the A38 near Walford Cross in Taunton, forcing other motorists to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noted that Siyachitema smelt strongly of alcohol, appeared confused, was unsteady on his feet, and slurring his words.
A roadside breath test indicated that Siyachitema was more than four times over the legal limit for alcohol.
As well as the driving ban, Siyachitema has been ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Attending officer PC Nick Steele from Avon and Somerset Police said: “Siyachitema’s manner of driving presented a significant and immediate danger to other road users and it was extremely lucky that no-one was harmed.
“The incident took place in hours of darkness on a poorly lit section of a high-speed dual carriageway. It was only by chance that a patrolling officer came across him when he did.
“This case demonstrates the potentially devastating consequences that can result when people choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. We will continue to target drink and drug drivers through both proactive patrols and intelligence-led enforcement activity, taking action against those who put themselves and others at risk.”