Driver 'repeatedly blocks and slows down' ambulance in Reading

A "SENSELESS and irresponsible" driver has avoided jail after intentionally delaying an ambulance attending to a collapsed man.

Paramedics responding to a medical emergency were driving along the A4 Bath Road in Reading towards Maidenhead, Berks on February 2 when they overtook a red Suzuki Vitara, driven by Albert Butler.

The ambulance driver had switched on the blue lights and siren, but Butler, 38, decided to pull out directly in front of the vehicle and break - intentionally slowing it down.

The ambulance continued along the A4 after other members of the public pulled over to let it pass, but Butler proceeded to overtake the vehicles before slowing down again, blocking the ambulance's path.

The 38-year-old obstructed the path of the emergency service vehicle again as it continued on to Wargrave Road by applying the brakes heavily, weaving into the centre of the highway, and encroaching on the wrong side of the road.

His reckless driving was captured on the ambulance dash-cam and partly recorded by a paramedic in the passenger seat on her phone.

A subsequent investigation by Thames Valley Police saw Butler, of Windermere Road, Reading charged with dangerous driving and obstructing/hindering an emergency worker.

He pleaded guilty to both offences in a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on August 10 and the case was adjourned for sentencing to Reading Crown Court on November 2.

Appearing at crown court last Wednesday Butler was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 200 hours of unpaid work over an 18-month period.