Intoxicated Motorist Drives on Tram Tracks Before Assaulting Paramedic
In a shocking incident that endangered public safety, a heavily intoxicated motorist was captured on CCTV driving along tram tracks near a university in Nottingham. The reckless episode unfolded on April 6 last year, when Levi Gomez, 27, of St Ann's, Nottingham, tailgated a tram in his black Vauxhall Insignia on University Boulevard.
Dangerous Driving on Tram-Only Line
Gomez drove along the tram line at approximately 6.30am, heading toward Queen's Medical Centre hospital. He paused briefly outside Nottingham Hockey Centre but remained stationary on the tracks, posing a significant risk to himself and others. The situation only de-escalated when a passing St John's Ambulance paramedic spotted the vehicle on the tracks and pulled over to intervene.
The paramedic bravely approached the car and removed Gomez from the vehicle. However, instead of cooperating, Gomez proceeded to assault the ambulance worker. Police were promptly called to the scene, leading to Gomez's arrest and subsequent charging with multiple offences.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, Gomez was handed a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for five years. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, possession of a Class B drug, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and assaulting an emergency worker.
The court heard that upon arrest, Gomez appeared heavily intoxicated but refused to be tested for drugs and alcohol. During the investigation, a deal bag of cannabis was seized from his vehicle, along with several bottles of alcohol.
Judge's Remarks and Rehabilitation Requirements
Sentencing Gomez, Judge Michael Auty KC emphasised the seriousness of the offences, stating, 'These are serious matters. When somebody behaves like this, it puts the lives of innocent people at risk. This could have been infinitely more serious.' He noted that the crimes crossed the custodial threshold but decided to give Gomez 'one last chance' to avoid prison and seek professional treatment for his mental health.
In addition to the suspended sentence and driving ban, Gomez must abstain from consuming alcohol for 120 days and complete 20 rehabilitation activity days. These conditions aim to address underlying issues and prevent future reckless behaviour.
Police and Paramedic Response
Sergeant James Rimmington of Nottinghamshire Police commended the paramedic's actions, saying, 'Driving along a tram-only track is incredibly dangerous and I'd like to commend the paramedic for intervening in the way he did. Thanks to his brave actions and the swift response of our officers, no-one was harmed in this incident.'
He added that Gomez showed 'absolutely no regard for anyone's safety, including his own' and expressed relief that he had been held accountable. The incident highlights the critical role of emergency workers in preventing potential tragedies on public transport infrastructure.
