A RECKLESS drunk driver who went the wrong way down the motorway has been jailed.

Lee Johnson, of Colman Road, London, was caught travelling on the westbound carriageway of the M4.

He was arrested at the scene after police managed to set up a rolling road block at around 11.30pm on December 15.

Johnson, 44, admitted to the offences and was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

Sergeant Gaz Doughty, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I hope this cases serves as a reminder to the public about the dangers of drink-driving; it is extremely lucky on this occasion that nobody was seriously hurt, or killed.

“Such behaviour on our roads has far-reaching effects, not just for the impaired driver, but for any innocent road users affected by their destructive decisions.

“The lives of individuals and their families can be torn apart through a combination of physical, psychological and legal consequences.

Johnson was found to be nearly four times over the limit after he got behind the wheel.

He was charged with one count of dangerous driving, one count of driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit and one count of driving without insurance.

Nobody was injured, but the shocking incident was captured on CCTV footage.

Officers were deployed and implemented a rolling roadblock from junction 11, heading towards the vehicle, a red Citroen Berlingo van.

Sgt Doughty added: “There are many people I would like to thank in this case. Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public who alerted us to this incident which had clear potential to result in a needless tragedy.

“I would also like to praise my team whose quick thinking and courageous actions prevented what would have been a devastating collision with other motorists.

“Finally, many thanks to Highways England for their assistance in this case.

“The vehicle was seen by the officers heading straight for them. Despite the obvious risks to themselves and potential for sustaining injuries, the officers made a quick decision to make deliberate contact with Johnson’s van to bring it to a halt and thereby prevent it getting past them and colliding head-on into other motorists.”