Driver sentenced after "swerving" between lanes M5 with empty cider bottles in van
45-year-old Stuart Kent was spotted driving erratically on the M5 in the Avonmouth area on the 30th of November
A man from County Durham has been given a suspended prison sentence and a three year driving ban after swerving across the M5 near Avonmouth with empty cider bottles in his van.
Stuart Kent, 45, of Benfieldside pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle without due care and attention, for failing to cooperate with a preliminary test and for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
At Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 27th January 2026 he received a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He must also pay a £154 victim surcharge, and court costs of £85.
His driving disqualification will be reduced by 36-weeks on the successful completion of a course, and an order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
The charges relate to an incident on the M5 when Kent was travelling southbound from Avonmouth at around 8.55 p.m. on 30th November 2025.
The Vauxhall Vivaro panel van driven by Kent was reported as swerving and nearly colliding with other vehicles.
Officers who arrived at the scene described the vehicle as “swerving between lanes” and were concerned the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
Police intervened with pre-emptive tactics and a stinger device near Taunton Deane Motorway Services to stop the van safely.
Upon stopping, Kent refused to provide a roadside breath sample and was described by officers to be stumbling and smelling of alcohol.
He was arrested and taken to Bridgwater custody unit where he continued to refuse providing a breath sample, saying: “I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t.”
Kent pleaded guilty to the offences at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on 15th December 2025, resulting in an interim driving ban prior to sentencing.
PC Mike Chapman, officer in the case, commented: “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.”