Driver causes road mayhem

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, July 1, how Thomas Graham, 43, of Copenhagen Road, Clay Cross, sparked complaints as he put others in danger by swerving around traffic, under-taking, overtaking, doing a hand brake turn, tail-gating, hitting a kerb, road cones and a central barrier and forcing his way through traffic.

Prosecuting solicitor Angela Hadfield said: “A member of the public initially contacted police to say a Vauxhall Astra had reversed into a lamppost in Hucknall and then reports came in of the same vehicle driving dangerously in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and on the M1.”

Graham was seen driving dangerously on the A661 at Annersley, the A60 at Mansfield and the A38 at Sutton-in-Ashfield, the M1 between Junctions 28 and 29, the A617 between Temple Normanton and Chesterfield and at the Horns Bridge roundabout, in Chesterfield, as well as on the nearby A61 before being seen zig-zagging on the M1 and exiting at Junction 28.

Police spotted the vehicle near the driver’s address and he was tested and found to have exceeded the alcohol drink-drive limit.

Graham pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and exceeding the drink-drive limit after the incident on May 26.

Defence solicitor Kevin Tomlinson said there were no vehicle collisions and no one was hurt.

He added Graham had been in a long relationship which had finished and he has found it difficult to cope, has felt suicidal and has sought help. Magistrates committed his case to Derby Crown Court for sentencing on July 22. Graham was granted unconditional bail.