A drink driver has been disqualified from driving after dangerously driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly crashing into other cars.

Calum Adams, 31, of no fixed address, was caught driving dangerously from High Road, Ilford, to Station Road in Chadwell Heath, on September 22.

Adams narrowly missed crashing into other cars, railings and bollards, as he frequently strayed onto the wrong side of the road and eventually drove the wrong way down a one-way street.

The driver was seconds away from crashing into a car down the street.

Inspector Neil Donohoe, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “The danger that Mr Adams posed to other road users and the public was so severe that before he stopped, even though the roads were quiet and there were no pedestrians around, officers were requesting authorisation for a forced stop manoeuvre that really is a last resort.

“In this case, the officers considered stopping the vehicle through a dynamic risk assessment. They concluded that due to the nature of the driving, and their experience of previous incidents involving suspected drink drivers, it would be the safer option to use pre-emptive tactics. This avoided a pursuit that could have potentially placed other road users at risk at higher speeds.

“Thankfully, on this occasion, the suspect vehicle was monitored by experienced officers from a safe distance, before eventually coming to a natural stop which negated the need for any tactical contact. But, had this offence been committed during daylight hours when the roads and pavements were more populated, the potential for injury would have been critical and a forced stop would almost certainly have been made.”

He appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (November 10), where he pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at the road and in custody.

Adams was sentenced to complete 120 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, a rehabilitation activity requirement, and was disqualified from driving for three years – which could be reduced by 36 weeks if a driver awareness course is completed.

His sentence also includes having to pay court costs of £85 and victim surcharge of £95.

Inspector Donohoe continued: “As we approach the festive season, this case clearly highlights the irresponsibility of driving while drunk, the danger to the public, and the penalties that conviction can carry. If your celebrations include alcohol, please leave your car at home as a driving ban is not a gift that anyone will be happy to receive.”