A man from Taunton faces nearly three years off the road after being caught driving under the influence on the wrong side of the A38. On Monday, May 4, Francis Siyachitema, 50, was spotted by a police patrol driving his Toyota Yaris against traffic near Walford Cross, forcing other motorists to swerve to avoid a collision.
Avon and Somerset Police stopped Siyachitema and observed clear signs of intoxication: a strong smell of alcohol, confusion, unsteady movement, and slurred speech. Tests revealed he was over four times the legal alcohol limit.
At Taunton Magistrates' Court on June 8, Siyachitema admitted to driving while intoxicated and was handed a 32-month driving ban. He was also sentenced to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and fined £85 in costs plus a £114 victim surcharge.
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PC Nick Steele, who responded to the incident, emphasized the danger posed: “Siyachitema’s reckless driving on a poorly lit, high-speed dual carriageway could have had tragic consequences. It was only by chance that an officer was nearby to intervene.”
He further warned that the police will maintain strict enforcement against drunk and drug-impaired driving, underscoring the serious risks such behavior imposes on the public.