Driver disqualified after crashing at speed on M4

A driver who crashed at speed on the M4 has appeared in court.

Jimmy McDonagh, 30, of Cyclamen Road, Emersons Green, pleaded guilty to drink driving and failing to stop after a collision when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on May 27.

In the early hours of the morning on November 16, 2025, a woman was driving along the M4 near to Membury Services when a vehicle crashed into the back of her car causing her to spin and come to a stop on the hard shoulder.

The offending vehicle being driven by McDonagh continued on. Police located the offending vehicle further along the M4 – the vehicle had extensive damage and McDonagh was located in the drivers seat smelling strongly of alcohol.

He failed to provide at the scene and was arrested – in custody he was found to be over the drink drive limit and was arrested for this offence instead and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

At court last week, he was disqualified from driving for 26 months, fined £200 and ordered to pay an £80 surcharge and £85 CPS costs.

PC James Salmond, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving. McDonagh showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users, resulting in a collision with an innocent member of the public. We welcome the court’s decision to disqualify him from driving, and we hope it reinforces the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

If you suspect someone of drink driving, call 101 or 999 if it is happening right now - give as much information as possible including the direction of travel and a description of the vehicle.