A1(M) wrong-way police car collision driver jailed

A motorist who drove for eight miles in the wrong direction on the A1(M) motorway before colliding with a police car has been jailed.

Luke Goodall, 26, admitted dangerous driving near Stevenage, Hertfordshire, in the early hours of 7 August.

Goodall, of Orchards Way, West End, Southampton, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court to eight months.

Judge Michael Baker praised Sgt Karl McDermott for his "bravery" in helping to stop Goodall.

The court heard he drove a silver Ford Fiesta car the wrong way along the northbound carriageway of the A1(M).

The car was seen being driven erratically and passed at speed several vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, narrowly avoiding collisions with them.

Sgt McDermott, who was driving north on the motorway towards the on-coming Fiesta, was about to set up a rolling road block when he came upon the vehicle.

He slowed down but the Fiesta collided with his patrol car, bringing it to a stop.

He pulled Goodall from the vehicle as quickly as possible as there was still traffic bearing down on them.

His colleagues put a road block on the carriageway to reduce further risk of a collision and Goodall was later arrested.

Sgt McDermott said: "Goodall is extremely lucky that he did not cause a serious collision that could have resulted in people getting killed or seriously injured. At the time he had no regard for how much danger he was in."

In sentencing Goodall, Judge Michael Baker commended Sgt McDermott for his "significant and brave actions in bringing [Goodall] to a stop".

The defendant was also sentenced to four months in jail for failing to provide a specimen, which he will serve concurrently with the eight-month term.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years and will have to take an extended driving test before being able to drive again.