A MOTORIST high on drink and drugs as he drove the wrong way along the M6 in Cumbria was told it was only “good fortune” nobody had been either injured or killed.
Cameron Johnrose, 26, had knocked back alcohol with his father and a friend in Blackpool before getting behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf in the early hours of September 1. At 2-30am, three “truly shocked” police officers on duty in a marked patrol car received reports of a Golf travelling south in lane three of the northbound carriageway of the M6, Carlisle Crown Court heard today (WED).
When stopped after leaving at Junction 36, Johnrose failed a breath test and drug wipes showed the presence of cocaine and cannabis. He admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving, and two offences of driving while unfit through drugs.
A self-employed roofer, Johnrose was described as a “hard-working and industrious man” by his barrister, Anthony Parkinson. Supportive references written on behalf of the defendant spoke of the “shame” he had brought upon himself and those who knew him.
Passing sentence, Judge Nicholas Barker told him: “It is a quite terrifying thought that a person insensible through alcohol is then to be seen driving a vehicle in the wrong direction on the motorway. The fact that you did not hinder, obstruct, collide, injure or kill anybody else is mere good fortune.”
Johnrose, of Cocker Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, had an eight-month jail term suspended for 18 months. He must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work, a 21-month driving ban and an extended re-rest.
