A 40-year-old woman who was more than three times over the legal alcohol limit when she crashed into an HGV on the M4 has been banned from driving.

Helen Bradshaw, of School Road, Crynant, Wales, was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (17 February) after previously pleading guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance.

The Incident

The crash occurred on 4 February near Junction 16 of the M4, where Bradshaw’s Peugeot suffered significant front-end damage after colliding with a lorry. However, instead of stopping, she fled the scene.

Officers later found a trail of skid marks and plastic debris leading them to a lay-by, where Bradshaw was revving her damaged car loudly. Initially, she denied being the driver, but later admitted to being behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

A roadside breath test revealed she was more than triple the legal alcohol limit, leading to her immediate arrest for drink driving.

Court Sentencing

At her sentencing, Bradshaw was disqualified from driving for 20 months and given a 12-month community order, which requires her to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity. She was also ordered to pay £299 in court costs and fines.

Police Condemn Drink Driving

Roads Policing Sergeant Will Ayres condemned her reckless behavior, stating:

“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.”

Appeal to Public

Wiltshire Police is urging anyone who suspects someone of drink or drug driving to report it immediately by calling 101, using the Wiltshire Police website, or dialling 999 in an emergency.

Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.