A DRIVER has been banned after repeatedly swerving between lanes in a van on the M5 southbound from Avonmouth.
Stuart Kent, 45, from Benfieldside, Durham, was driving a Vauxhall Vivaro panel van on the M5 at around 8.55pm on Sunday, November 30, when police were alerted to his dangerous driving.
He was sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, January 27, after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to cooperate with a preliminary test and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
Kent was handed a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, given an order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for three years.
His ban will be reduced by 36 weeks if he completes a course.
PC Mike Chapman said: "This is an appalling case where a driver under the influence of alcohol drove a significant distance along the M5 southbound, at times swerving and narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles.
"He made a conscious decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, and we welcome this sentence as he now won't be able to put himself or others at risk of serious injury, or worse, through his careless actions.
"If you fail to provide a sample, you will be charged with that offence which can be as serious as drink driving itself."
Officers said Kent’s van contained several empty cider bottles.
Pre-emptive tactics and a stinger device were used to stop the van safely near Taunton Deane motorway services.
When Kent was removed from the vehicle, officers noted he smelled strongly of alcohol and appeared to stumble.
He refused to provide a roadside breath sample and was arrested.
At Bridgwater custody unit, he again refused to provide a breath sample for analysis.
Kent pleaded guilty to all offences at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on December 15, where he was given an interim driving ban ahead of sentencing.
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