Stuart Kent was filmed swerving across the M5 in Somerset. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

Drink-driver had cider bottles in van after swerving all over M5 in Somerset

Paul JonesFebruary 5, 20260 Comment0

A DRINK-DRIVER was pulled over on the M5 in Somerset – and found with empty cider bottles in his van.

Stuart Kent, from Benfieldside, Durham, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle without due care and attention, failing to cooperate with a preliminary test, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on January 27.

The 45-year-old was banned from driving for three years, as well as being handed a 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 18-months, and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge, court costs of £85, and to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

The charges came after Kent was spotted driving southbound on the M5 from Avonmouth at around 8.55pm on Sunday, November 30 last year, in a Vauxhall Vivaro panel van.

Witnessed described the vehicle as swerving, unable to be driven in a straight line, at times travelling close to other vehicles and narrowly avoiding several collisions.

Officers who arrived at the scene described the vehicle as “swerving between lanes” and were concerned the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

Pre-emptive tactics and a stinger device were then used to stop the vehicle in the interests of public safety near Taunton Deane Motorway Services.

When Kent was out of the vehicle, an officer said to him while he appeared to stumble: “Having trouble standing up a little bit, are we?”

The court was told Kent smelled strongly of alcohol and refused to provide a roadside breath sample while in the back of a patrol car, and was subsequently arrested.

He was then taken to Bridgwater custody unit where he refused to provide a further sample of breath for analysis without providing a medical reason, and said: “I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t.”

He pleaded guilty to the offences at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on December 15, where he was given an interim driving ban ahead of sentencing.

Stuart Kent has been banned from driving for three years. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

PC Mike Chapman, officer in the case, said: “This is an appalling case where a driver under the influence of alcohol drove a significant distance along the M5 southbound, at times swerving and narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles.

“He made a conscious decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, and we welcome this sentence as he now won’t be able to put himself or others at risk of serious injury, or worse, through his careless actions.

“If you fail to provide a sample, you will be charged with that offence which can be as serious as drink driving itself.”