A drunk motorist drove the wrong way down the M4 motorway before being stopped by police officers who found him to be four times the drink drive limit.
Lee Johnson, 44, was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving, one count of driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit, and one count of driving without insurance at Reading Magistrates' Court.
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The offence took place on December 15 at around 11:30pm, when the police received multiple reports of a vehicle travelling the wrong way along the motorway.
CCTV footage shows Johnson in his Citroen Berlingo van speeding down the M4 before he is knocked by a police car, causing him to drift through the lanes.
Senior investigating officer, Police Sergeant Gaz Doughty, of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Roads policing officers were deployed and implemented a rolling road block from junction 11, heading towards the vehicle, a red Citroen Berlingo van.
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"Moment later, the vehicle was sighted by the officers heading straight for them. Despite the obvious risks to themselves and potential for sustaining injuries, the officers made a fast time decision to make deliberate contact with the suspect car to bring it to a halt and thereby prevent it getting past them and head on into members of the public.
"The driver, Lee Johnson, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was later found to be almost four times over the prescribed drink drive limit, at a level of 120 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath.
"Thankfully, due to the swift police response, no-one was injured during this incident, but unfortunately far too often we see the death and destruction caused by drug and drink-driving.
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"Such behaviour on our roads has far-reaching effects, not just for the impaired driver but for any innocent road users affected by their destructive decisions.
"The lives of individuals and their families can be torn apart through a combination of physical, psychological and legal consequences.
"We are currently running a Christmas campaign called Op Holly to educate people not to drug or drink-drive. Our message is simple, it's not worth the risk."
The officer added: "I would like to thank the members of the public who alerted us to this incident which had clear potential to result in a needless tragedy.
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"The quick thinking and courageous actions of my team on the night has prevented what would have been a devastating collision with innocent members of the public.
"Finally, I would also like to thank Highways England for their assistance in this case."
Johnson is due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court in the New Year.
Featured Image Credit: Thames Valley Police