A van driver from Wales has been brought before a court for tailgating an ambulance during an emergency call in an attempt to cut through traffic. The culprit, Mark Clayton, was observed closely following the ambulance while recording his actions on his phone and laughing at the situation. When stopped by the police, Clayton admitted to being in a rush. The judge at Swansea Crown Court criticized Clayton for treating the road as a playground and endangering lives with his reckless behaviour.
The incident took place on the A4138 near Llanelli, where a police officer noticed Clayton’s white Vauxhall Vivaro van tailgating an ambulance with its emergency lights flashing. Clayton was using the ambulance to navigate through traffic, all the while recording his actions on his phone. After being pulled over, Clayton apologized to the officer, citing his rush as the reason for his dangerous driving. The court disclosed that Clayton had a previous conviction for driving offenses from 2022.
Clayton, a 25-year-old builder, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court. His defence lawyer highlighted Clayton’s hard-working nature and expressed relief that no collision had occurred. The judge reprimanded Clayton for his irresponsible actions and sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Clayton was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course, perform 160 hours of community service, and faced a 12-month driving ban. The judge emphasized the serious consequences of using phones while driving and warned of potential fatal crashes resulting in lengthy prison sentences.
The judge concluded that Clayton’s behaviour was a “moment of pure madness” and emphasized the importance of road safety. He expressed astonishment at drivers still using phones while driving and stressed the need for responsible driving on the roads. The case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the severe consequences it can entail. Clayton’s sentence serves as a reminder of the legal obligations and responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle on public roads.