A 'reckless' man from Stockport has received a driving ban after causing a seven vehicle collision while under the influence of cocaine.

Poynton resident Alan Smith, 37, was driving a heavy goods vehicle on the M25 when he changed lanes without making sufficient checks if it was safe to do so. In doing so, he collided with a Toyota Corolla which span out of control, causing a further five vehicles to be involved in the collision.

A driver of one vehicle, a man in his 60s, sustained serious injuries. Thankfully he survived.

Smith did not stop at the scene. He was caught by police 100 miles later, where he was found to be over the prescribed limit for cocaine.

The Poynton man appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday 10 July, and was disqualified from driving for three and a half years. He was also handed a 24-month suspended sentence, 150 hours of unpaid work, eight days of rehabilitation, and ordered to pay £1,500 in prosecution costs.

Detective chief constable Peter Hoddy from Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "While the pain and suffering for those involved in the collision will be hard to forget, I hope that this result from the court has sent out a strong warning to anyone who believes they are above the law.

"Driving dangerously and driving under the influence of drugs will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire and those who commit such offences will be dealt with."

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