Dangerous Driver Caught After Deadly Near Misses on Ilford Streets
Calum Adams, 31, with no fixed address, faced Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on 10 November. Adams pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at the roadside and in custody. His punishment? 120 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation order, a three-year driving ban (which could drop by 36 weeks if he completes a driver awareness course), plus court costs of £85 and a £95 victim surcharge.
Reckless Ride Through Ilford
On 22 September, Adams was spotted by officers driving dangerously from High Road, Ilford, to Station Road, Chadwell Heath. He narrowly avoided crashing into vehicles, railings, and bollards. Adams swerved onto the wrong side of the road multiple times and even drove the wrong way down a one-way street—missing an oncoming vehicle by mere seconds.
Police Close Call: Forced Stop Avoided
Inspector Neil Donohoe, from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said:
“The danger Adams posed was so severe that officers were ready to carry out a forced stop manoeuvre—a last resort—even though the roads were quiet and no pedestrians were around.
“Our team assessed the risks and decided pre-emptive tactics were safer than a high-speed chase. This avoided endangering other road users at worse speeds.
“Experienced officers tracked the vehicle from a safe distance until it came to a natural stop, avoiding the need for any tactical contact. However, if this had happened during the day when streets and pavements were busier, the risk of serious injury would have been critical, and a forced stop would almost certainly have been needed.”
Warning Ahead of Festive Season
Inspector Donohoe added, “With the festive season approaching, this case highlights just how reckless and dangerous drunk driving is, plus the harsh penalties it carries. If you’re drinking, leave your car at home. A driving ban is not a gift anyone wants to unwrap.”
