Driver of A1(M) overturned lorry banned from roads

The driver of a lorry which overturned on the A1(M) in North Yorkshire has been banned from the roads.

Rafal Swiatek, 42, had to be freed from the cab after the HGV ended up on its side near Scotch Corner on 15 May.

He failed a cannabis test at the scene, but later refused further blood testing at a police station.

Swiatek was given a 17-month driving ban at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The trucker pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample, and magistrates fined him £200. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

Swiatek, from the Wirral, was also found in possession of cannabis after the crash and was given a formal warning by North Yorkshire Police.

The lorry, which was carrying cardboard packaging, was travelling on the A1(M) northbound at 6:15 BST when it overturned at the A66 junction. Fuel from the vehicle spilled onto the carriageway, which had to be closed.

Swiatek was not injured in the incident. The court gave him the option to reduce his disqualification by 17 weeks if he attends a driver awareness course.

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