Shocking footage released has shown a driver deliberately blocking an ambulance which was out on a 999 call. Albert Butler, 38, was given an eight month prison sentence - suspended for 18 months - and suspended from driving for three years after obstructing an on duty ambulance.
The dangerous driver was caught committing his crimes on the ambulance's dash-cam as well as footage taken by a paramedic in the passenger seat of the vehicle earlier this year. The incident took place on A4 Bath Road in Reading on February 2, reports MyLondon.
The appalling footage shows the 38-year-old, driving a red Suzuki Vitara, initially being overtaken by the emergency vehicle which had its blue lights on. However, in later footage captured, Butler is then seen overtaking the ambulance by swerving onto the wrong side of the road.
Not content with just overtaking the emergency vehicle, the driver is also filmed slamming down his brakes in front of the ambulance and deliberately slowing down. Butler is then seen driving on the wrong side of the road in a concerted effort to ensure the vehicle cannot get past him.
When approached by journalists at his home last week, Butler refused to comment on his driving and shouted: "Leave now. I am not happy about this." He ran out of the property to take pictures of reporters.
Following an investigation carried out by authorities, the 38-year-old was 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.
The punishment for Butler's crimes was an eight month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and he has been ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work over an 18-month period, banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay costs of £600.
Investigating officer Sergeant Matt Cadmore of Thames Valley Police said: "The manner of Butler's driving was completely unacceptable. In deliberately attempting to hinder the progress of this ambulance, he was putting other road at great risk, and at the same time, delaying an emergency vehicle en route to a medical emergency.
"This sort of behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated and we will take robust action against anybody who seeks to drive in this manner. Butler will have to complete an extended driving test at the conclusion of his disqualification in order to get his licence back, and has been given a suspended prison sentence, which will be enacted immediately should he be convicted of any other offences."
"Seconds can make all the difference when an ambulance is on an emergency call, and the delays that Butler caused could have had significant impacts to the call that they were attending."
Mark Ainsworth, Director of Operations at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The senseless and irresponsible actions undertaken by the defendant put himself, other road users and our ambulance crew at risk of serious injury or even worse. I have been in touch with the crew and thanked them for maintaining their professionalism at such a distressing time.
"I would also like to thank Thames Valley Police for their help in bringing the conviction and taking a dangerous driver off our roads for the next three years at least."
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