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An “irrational and irresponsible” driver was filmed repeatedly blocking the path of an emergency ambulance. Albert Butler deliberately tried to block the vehicle’s progress in Maidenhead, putting other drivers at risk, a court heard. Butler, 38, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and obstructing/obstructing an emergency worker at a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on August 10. Appearing at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday November 2, he was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work over an 18-month period. Butler, of Windermere Road, Reading, was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £600 costs. On Wednesday February 2 this year, paramedics in a marked ambulance for South Central Ambulance Service were driving along the A4 Bath, Reading to Maidenhead road, responding to a medical emergency for a man who had collapsed. The driver had activated emergency equipment in the ambulance, which included lights and sirens. Albert Butler was given a suspended prison sentence after deliberately blocking an ambulance’s path (The Independent) The ambulance passed a red Suzuki Vitara, driven by Butler. The Suzuki then overtook the ambulance, pulling right in front of it and braking, deliberately slowing the ambulance down. The ambulance continued along the A4 and Butler stepped forward and passed other members of the public who had pulled over to allow the ambulance to pass. Butler then slowed again, blocking the ambulance’s path. He continued to block the ambulance’s path along Wargrave Road, where he continued to brake hard, weave across the road and enter the wrong side of the road. The drive was captured on the ambulance’s dash cam and also partially recorded by the ambulance passenger on her phone. Investigating officer Sergeant Matt Cadmore of the Taplow-based Roads Policing Unit said: “Butler’s driving was completely unacceptable. “By deliberately attempting to impede the progress of this ambulance, he was putting another road at great risk and at the same time delaying an emergency vehicle on its way for emergency medical assistance. “This kind of behavior on our roads will not be tolerated and we will take strict action against anyone who wants to drive in this way. “Butler will have to complete an extended driving test after his disqualification is completed to get his license back and was given a suspended prison sentence, which will run immediately if he is convicted of any other offences. “When you see an emergency vehicle with blue lights and sirens activated, let it pass when it is safe. “Seconds can make all the difference when an ambulance is on an emergency call and the delays caused by Butler could have had a significant impact on the call they were attending.” Mark Ainsworth, Director of Operations at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This was the worst driving behavior experienced by one of our hard-working ambulance crews responding to blue lights in a potentially very serious emergency. has ever seen. “Our ambulance crews are well trained, can drive safely at speed when necessary and I am grateful that the vast majority of other road users are careful when we have to travel with emergency lights. “In this case, however, the unreasonable and irresponsible actions taken by the defendant put himself, other road users and our ambulance crew at risk of serious injury or worse. I have been in touch with the crew and thanked them for maintaining their professionalism at such a difficult time. “I would also like to thank Thames Valley Police for their help in bringing about a conviction and taking a dangerous driver off our roads for at least the next three years.”
