Woman thanked for drink-driver action

The unnamed good Samaritan was driving on Station Road, Wombwell, when she spotted a Chevrolet Matiz being driven erratically.

She followed the car to Upperwood Road, where it stopped.

The woman approached and talked to the driver, persuading him to hand over his keys, police said.

The woman and a bystander then called police, who arrested the man at the scene.

Driver Mieczyslaw Kowaleski (64) of Woodfield Close, Darfield, pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Friday in connection with the incident on April 11.

He was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Supt Shelley Hemsley said the public-spirited motorist who followed him had been sent a formal letter of thanks.

She added: “This woman’s actions undoubtedly ensured that the driver and other road users were kept safe.

“It is reassuring to know that there are such public-spirited members of the community who are willing to take responsibility to help others.”