Wrong-way driver 'confused' by sat-nav

Outside entrance of Truro Crown Court, grey cement building with a COURTS OF JUSTIC sign and emblem above, grey skies
Image caption,

Adam West admitted dangerous driving and was jailed for six months, which was suspended for two years

  • Published

A man caught driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway said he had been "confused" by his sat-nav.

Adam West joined the A30 via the slip road at Scorrier and under and overtook vehicles as he weaved along the road in the wrong direction.

The 51-year-old told Truro Crown Court he had been confused by the GPS system in his Mercedes car during the incident in May 2023.

He admitted dangerous driving and was jailed for six months, suspended for two years. He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay £1,630 costs.

Judge Simon Carr said the incident was "truly frightening'" and could have had "catastrophic consequences" for other motorists and West himself.

He said the signage on the slip road "could not be clearer and impossible to miss" and it would have been obvious he was going the wrong way.

West, a married grandfather who works between Falmouth and Brixham as a fisherman, said he did not know the area well and was confused and made a mistake.

He had told the court that he did not feel well during the incident, returned home and drank cider before falling asleep. He was convicted of drink-driving in 2013.

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