Reckless Driver’s Near-Death Overtake on A350 Ends in Suspended Sentence
Heart-Stopping Dashcam Drama
Emmanuel Sylva, 39, from Devonshire Place, Melksham, narrowly avoided a fatal crash during a terrifying overtake on the busy A350 between Semington and Trowbridge on October 24, 2023. Dashcam footage shows Sylva’s reckless move as he swerved out around a bend, directly into oncoming traffic — a lorry flashing its headlights in a desperate warning.
With less than half a second to spare, Sylva jerked back into his lane, scraping the side of the very lorry he was trying to pass.
Court Hands Down Suspended Jail Time
Sylva pleaded guilty to dangerous driving but dodged immediate prison. He was sentenced to 10 months behind bars, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work. On top of that, he faces a 12-month driving ban.
PC Jake Tunnacliffe of Wiltshire Police’s Trowbridge Response Unit said: “Sylva was extremely close to colliding head-on with the oncoming lorry when he returned to the southbound lane. His actions were not only reckless but could have resulted in a catastrophic incident.”
Police Issue Stark Road Safety Warning
Wiltshire Police are warning drivers that dangerous overtakes like Sylva’s can end in disaster. They urge motorists to stay patient behind slower vehicles, especially on fast, busy roads like the A350. One careless move could cost lives.
