Gheorghe-daniel Cristea from High Street, Swanscombe, Kent, narrowly avoided imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of drink and dangerous driving. The verdict was delivered at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 18 March.
The 34-year-old was handed a 24-week suspended sentence, a three-year driving ban, and is required to complete 100 hours of community service following his admission of guilt at a prior hearing.
On the 14th of November, 2023, Cristea was apprehended driving a 44-ton lorry along the M25 between junctions 28 and 27. His driving, marked by erratic braking and nearly hitting the central reservation at the M11 exit, raised immediate concerns for road safety.
Despite efforts from the police, including the use of blue lights and a “Follow me” sign, Cristea did not initially comply with the officers, continuing for half a mile before finally stopping on the hard shoulder. Upon reaching the vehicle, officers found Cristea slumped over the wheel and discovered an almost empty bottle of whiskey in the cab. A subsequent roadside test revealed he was four times over the legal alcohol limit.
“Cristea’s actions were dangerous and part of a very bad decision that risked his and other road users’ safety. It was dangerous and fell far below the actions of a careful and competent driver. Anyone with four times the drink-drive limit is a danger on the road, no matter how safe they think they are,” stated Sergeant David Martin from the Roads Policing Unit.
Sergeant Martin further emphasized the Roads Policing Unit’s dedication to ensuring the safety of Essex roads:
“As a priority for the Roads Policing Unit, we will continue to patrol our county’s roads, ensuring enforcement action is taken against anyone who flouts the law,” he added.
source: Essex County Police
