Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment an uninsured driver put lives at risk by driving along a tram-only line in Nottingham.
Levi Gomez, aged 27, drove onto the track at the University Boulevard stop and tailgated a tram as it headed towards Queen’s Medical Centre.
CCTV footage shows the black Vauxhall Insignia bouncing along a gravelled track designed for trams and not regular traffic.
Gomez stopped outside Nottingham Hockey Centre but remained on the track.
A crew inside a passing St John Ambulance spotted the danger and pulled over, with one paramedic dragging Gomez out of the vehicle. In doing so, he was assaulted by Gomez.
Police were called and officers took him into custody, where he was charged with multiple offences.
At Nottingham Crown Court this week, a judge heard Gomez appeared to be heavily intoxicated but refused to be tested for drugs and alcohol following the incident, which started at approximately 6.30 am on 6 April last year.
A deal bag of cannabis was recovered from the car, along with a number of bottles of alcohol.
Gomez pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a licence, possession of a Class B drug, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and assaulting an emergency worker.
At his sentencing hearing on Tuesday (10 March), Judge Michael Auty KC said: “These are serious matters. When somebody behaves like this, it puts the lives of innocent people at risk. This could have been infinitely more serious.”
Judge Auty said the offences crossed the custodial threshold but added he was prepared to give Gomez “one last chance” to stay out of prison and obtain professional treatment for his mental health.
Gomez, of Wadhurst Gardens, St Ann’s, Nottingham, was subsequently jailed for 10 months, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for five years.
He must also abstain from consuming alcohol for 120 days and complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Sergeant James Rimmington, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Driving along a tram-only track is incredibly dangerous and I’d like to commend the paramedic for intervening in the way he did.
“Thanks to his brave actions and the swift response of our officers, no one was harmed in this incident.
“Gomez showed absolutely no regard for anyone’s safety, including his own, by driving in such a dangerous manner, and I am pleased he has been held accountable for his actions.”
@westbridgfordwirenews Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment an uninsured driver put lives at risk by driving along a tram-only line in Nottingham. Levi Gomez, aged 27, drove onto the track at the University Boulevard stop and tailgated a tram as it headed towards Queen’s Medical Centre. CCTV footage shows the black Vauxhall Insignia bouncing along a gravelled track designed for trams and not regular traffic. At Nottingham Crown Court this week, a judge heard Gomez appeared to be heavily intoxicated but refused to be tested for drugs and alcohol following the incident, which started at approximately 6.30 am on 6 April last year. He was subsequently jailed for 10 months, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for five years. #nottingham #CapCut ♬ original sound West Bridgford Wire News
