A man has been banned from driving after overturning a lorry on the A1(M).

Rafal Swiatek, aged 42, of Oakdale Avenue, Seacombe, Wirral, has been disqualified for 17 months after the incident. 

Emergency services rushed to the crash on the A1(M) near Scotch Corner, on the north-bound carriageway at junction 53 for the A66 at about 6.15am on Wednesday, May 15.

Firefighters and paramedics attended to help free the driver from the cab of the white lorry.

He escaped without injury but at the time, police said he failed a road-side drugs test for cannabis.

The lorry’s trailer contained cardboard packaging, but fuel from the vehicle spilt onto the carriageway.

Swiatek was fined £200 and made to pay £80 victim surcharge after appearing at York Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (13 June 2024).

He pleaded guilty for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

If he agrees to complete a £250 driver course by 25 May next year, his road ban will be reduced by 17 weeks.