A woman has been disqualified from driving after dangerously stopping her car in the middle of the M4 while under the influence of ketamine. Bethan Markfort, from Reigate, Surrey, was driving between Membury and junction 15 for Swindon on April 18 when she inexplicably came to a halt in lane two, forcing several vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), to take evasive action to avoid a crash.
Police were alerted by concerned witnesses, and upon arriving at the scene, officers suspected Markfort was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Subsequent tests revealed that she had more than ten times the legal limit of ketamine in her system.
Markfort appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on October 7, where she pleaded guilty to drug driving. She was banned from driving for two years, fined £1,200, and ordered to pay a £480 surcharge and £85 in court costs.
Roads Policing Officer Tom Webster condemned her actions, stating: “Markfort’s actions were incredibly reckless and dangerous and put a number of lives, including her own, at risk. It is extremely fortunate that the drivers behind her were able to react in time and avoid a serious collision.”
He added, “There can be no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, let alone the distance Markfort travelled with the amount of ketamine she had in her system.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour on the roads.
