Joseph Williams, 33, drove erratically on the M4 before crashing into a Kia Picanto, causing both vehicles to become airborne. The female driver suffered head injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Tests showed Williams had cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and Valium in his system, with cocaine metabolite levels nearly five times the legal limit.
Erratic Driving and Crash
On September 5 last year, police received multiple calls about a van being driven erratically westbound on the M4 between Pyle and Sarn junctions. Witnesses reported the van swerving across all three lanes, fluctuating speed from 30mph to over 80mph. One witness said she was overtaken by the defendant four times while doing 60-65mph.
The dangerous driving ended when Williams swerved from lane one to lane three and back, crashing into the back of a Kia Picanto traveling at 64mph. A witness recalled both vehicles going into the air. Williams' van ended on its side, and he had to be extracted by firefighters.
Drug Levels and Court Proceedings
A roadside drug test was positive for cocaine, and a hospital blood sample showed Williams was almost five times the legal limit for cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine, and over the limit for cocaine and Valium. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, three counts of drug-driving, and failing to surrender to court bail.
Williams had failed to attend his first hearing at Cardiff Magistrates Court, leading to a warrant, and later missed a hearing at Swansea Magistrates Court. He claimed he was working away for the first and had memory issues for the second.
Victim Impact
The victim suffered two significant head wounds, body bruising, and suspected lung bruising. In a statement, she said she was undergoing trauma therapy and counseling, struggling to move forward, and faced with rebuilding her life daily. Judge Catherine Richards described the crash as a terrifying experience caused by Williams' selfish behavior.
Sentence
Judge Richards noted the prolonged and persistent bad driving while highly impaired. With a one-third discount for guilty pleas, Williams was sentenced to 11 months and one week in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must complete a rehabilitation course, 200 hours of unpaid work, and was banned from driving for three years, requiring an extended test to regain his license.
