[A] DRINK-driver who was almost four times the legal limit when stopped near Carlisle has been sent to prison.
Police were called after Joseph Hanlon, 40, was seen swerving at speed from side-to-side across the M6 northbound, crashing into lane closure traffic cones. Carlisle Crown Court heard a shocked fellow motorist who raised the alarm described how his driving had “scared the living daylights” out of her.
When stopped by police, drunken Hanlon was found to be transporting a similarly intoxicated passenger and also a dog. The rear footwells of his Peugeot were described as “overflowing” with empty alcoholic drink cans and bottles.
Hanlon, who had travelled more than 200 miles from the Midlands, was found to have 129mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The limit is just 35.
He pleaded guilty to excess alcohol and dangerous driving charges, following the incident in July 2015, and was sentenced at the today (FRI). The court heard he had four previous drink-drive convictions on his criminal record.
Hanlon, of Chester Road, Erdington, Birmingham, was jailed for eight months by Recorder Ahmed Nadim, who also imposed a three-year driving ban.
“It is a mercy of providence that there was, in fact, no accident,” said the judge.
