Police thank public for helping stop drink driver on A419
Driver arrested after tip leads to interception and guilty plea
Thanks to a tip from a vigilant member of the public, a drink driver was intercepted by police on the A419 near Swindon.
John McDonagh, 33, of Gelderd Road, Gildersome, was seen driving a black Land Rover in a manner suggesting intoxication, leading police to act quickly.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Officers located McDonagh’s vehicle on the offslip of the A419 onto the A420 junction, taking him into custody.
Breathalyser tests confirmed his intoxication and revealed that McDonagh was wanted on a warrant in Warrington.
He appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 18th July and pled guilty to charges of drink driving.
McDonagh was sentenced to a 36-month driving disqualification, fined £200, and ordered to pay an £80 surcharge plus £85 in CPS costs.
Encouraging Public Oversight
A/Sgt Ben Greening of the Roads Policing Unit expressed gratitude for the public's role in reporting suspicions of drink driving.
He acknowledged the caller's crucial role in preventing any harm caused by McDonagh on the roads.
The police urge the public to continue reporting concerns to maintain road safety and prevent accidents.