York motorists form ‘rolling roadblock’ to hem in drunk driver swerving across the road
Police have thanked motorists who set up a ‘rolling roadblock’ to hem in a drunk-driver whose van was swerving across the carriageway.
Lee James Ebbutt, 47, was nearly five times over the alcohol limit when police pulled him over on the Hopgrove roundabout.
Officers were called after members of the public spotted his van swerving across the A64 and suspected he might be under the influence.
At one point his van hit the central reservation.
Ebbutt, of Eastwood Road, Boston, was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday). He was given a suspended jail sentence, community service and was banned for driving for three years.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Quick-thinking members of the public following the van put their hazard lights on to warn other motorists and remained behind it to help keep others safe.
“When the van left the A64 and waited at a set of traffic lights, officers from our Roads Policing Group were able to bring it to a stop.
“The driver appeared intoxicated as he had difficulty getting out of the van and walking so he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. Officers also spotted a part full bottle of whisky on the passenger seat beside him.”
Endangered lives
At the police station, Ebbutt gave two samples of breath at a reading of 169mg per 100ml, nearly five times over the legal limit (35 mg per 100ml).
The police spokesperson said: “Those who get behind the wheel after drinking not only pose a severe risk to themselves, but endanger the lives of many other road users too.
“We’d particularly like to thank the fast-acting members of the public who spotted Ebbutt, called the police and effectively set up a rolling roadblock to protect other drivers.
“If you see a vehicle you think could be being driven by someone under the influence of alcohol, or see someone about to drive after drinking, please call us on 999.”