Dangerous overtaking move 'could have been fatal'

A man has been sentenced after almost causing a head-on collision with a lorry during a "reckless" overtaking move.

Emmanuel Sylva, of Devonshire Place, Melksham, pulled out into oncoming traffic to overtake a lorry travelling in front of him on the A350, before swerving back into the southbound lane and striking the side of the vehicle.

Dashcam footage from the lorry Sylva was overtaking shows another lorry on the opposite carriageway flashing their full beam lights at him during the incident on a bend near Stony Gutter shortly after 06:00 BST on 24 October 2023.

Sylva, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, claimed he did not see the oncoming lorry until it was too late, police said.

The 39-year-old was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also given a 12-month driving disqualification for his "reckless" actions.

PC Jake Tunnacliffe, from Wiltshire Police, said: "Sylva was extremely close to colliding head-on with the oncoming lorry when he returned to the southbound lane.

"The consequence of his reckless manoeuvre could have quite easily been fatal."

He also praised the "calm composure" of the lorry driver involved and thanked them for providing vital dashcam footage for the investigation.