A man appeared in court yesterday, June 21st, after he was caught driving 146mph on the M4 this morning.
Billy James Rich, aged 23, of The Green, Highworth, was driving a black BMW on the A350 shortly after midnight when he overtook an unmarked police vehicle at speed.
He continued at speed on the M4, reaching 146mph and was subsequently stopped by officers from Tri-Force travelling eastbound between junction 17 (Chippenham) and junction 16 (West Swindon).
He was charged with drink driving and speeding and was remanded to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court today.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was disqualified from driving for 22 months, fined £692, and ordered to pay £69 victim surcharge and Crown Prosecution Costs of £85.
PC Andy Lee, of the Tri-Force Roads Policing Unit, said: “The speed limit is there for a reason. Not only did this driver reach completely unacceptable speeds, he had also been drinking. He clearly had no consideration for others and his actions put himself, other drivers and road users in danger.
“Please think before you get behind the wheel – if you are going to flout the law with behaviour like this, you will be caught, arrested and prosecuted. Nothing is worth taking the risk.”
Anyone who has concerns about someone they believe may be drink or drug driving, call police on 101 and give as many details as possible, such as vehicle details and direction of travel.
If a driver is posing an imminent danger, call 999.
