There were sparks flying from the destroyed wheels (Picture: NNP)
A drunk and seemingly oblivious driver was pulled over after driving for nearly 30 miles in a van with only two wheels.
Tony Holmwood, 28, was nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol when he was pulled over in the early hours of May 11.
He was driving the Ford van on a dual carriageway near Northumberland – and the sound of metal scraping along the road could be heard before he was stopped.
A traffic officer was parked near the A69 when he was alerted to the van. It was leaning heavily to one side, and sparks flew as it came to a stop.
The front nearside wheel had no rim or tyre, only the spokes remained, while the rear nearside wheel was also on its rim.
The traffic officer spoke to Holmwood, who appeared ‘vacant’ and was unsteady on his feet.
He later recorded a breath test of 67ml out of 100ml – the legal limit being 35.
A police investigation the following day found scrape marks along rural roads, and an ambulance caught the van on its dashcam with sparks coming from the ruined wheels.
The van was visibly leaning to one side as he drove along a dual carriageway (Picture: NNP)
Two wheels were completely destroyed (Picture: NNP)
Holmwood has been suspended from driving for 18 months (Picture: NNP)
Officers calculated Holmwood had driven for 28.7 miles with the dodgy wheels.
Holmwood, of Twizell Avenue in Blaydon, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle crown court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.
He was spared jail as his nine month prison sentence was suspended for one year.
Holmwood was also ordered to take part in 15 rehabilitation days, complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and pass an extended re-test at the end of his 18 month disqualification from driving.
Judge Penny Moreland said: ‘There was a burning smell coming from the vehicle.
‘It’s inconceivable that you didn’t know you were driving a vehicle that had no nearside tyres for a period of nearly 29 miles.’
‘It’s inconceivable that you didn’t know you were driving a vehicle that had no nearside tyres for a period of nearly 29 miles.’