Woman Three Times Over Limit Crashes into Lorry on M4—Banned from Driving
A 40-year-old woman slammed her Peugeot into a heavy goods vehicle on the M4 while driving more than three times over the legal alcohol limit. Helen Bradshaw, from School Road, Crynant, Wales, has now been banned from the roads.
Crash Drama at Junction 16
The smash happened on 4 February near Junction 16 of the M4. Bradshaw’s car suffered serious front-end damage after colliding with a lorry. Rather than stop, she fled the scene.
Police followed a trail of skid marks and wreckage to a nearby lay-by. There, Bradshaw was caught revving her damaged Peugeot loudly. She first denied driving but later admitted she was behind the wheel.
A roadside breath test revealed she was over three times the drink-drive limit. Bradshaw was quickly arrested.
Banned and Fined After Court Showdown
Bradshaw faced Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 February. She pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without insurance. The court disqualified her from driving for 20 months and handed down a 12-month community order. This includes 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
She must also pay £299 in court costs and fines.
Police Slam Reckless Driving
Roads Policing Sergeant Will Ayres hit out at Bradshaw’s dangerous actions:
“It is shocking that despite the widely-known dangers of drink driving, people are still willing to put themselves and others at risk.”
“Bradshaw destroyed the front end of her car in a collision that could have ended far worse. Drink driving is one of the Fatal Five offences, all of which significantly increase the risk of serious or fatal crashes.”
Police Urge Public to Report Drink-Driving
Wiltshire Police are calling on the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers immediately. Use 101, visit the Wiltshire Police website, or dial 999 in an emergency.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
