A woman who was 10 times the legal limit for ketamine when she stopped in the middle of the M4 has been banned from driving - for just two years. 

On April 18, Bethan Markfort, 20 years old and from Reigate, Surrey, was driving on the M4 between Membury, near Newbury, and Junction 15 for Swindon when she inexplicably stopped.

Markfort was driving in lane 2 when she came to a halt, forcing several vehicles - including a lorry - to take evasive action. 

Witnesses called the police and upon arrival, Markfort – who had driven from Surrey – was suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs.

Tests revealed Markfort to have ketamine in her blood at the time of the incident at more than ten times the legal limit for driving.

She was subsequently charged and appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on October 7, where she pleaded guilty to drug driving.

She was disqualified from driving for two years, fined £1,200, required to pay a surcharge of £480 and court costs of £85.

Roads Policing Officer Tom Webster said: “Markfort’s actions were incredibly reckless and dangerous and put a number of lives, including her own, at risk.

“It is extremely fortunate that having stopped in the second lane for unknown reasons, the drivers behind her were able to react in time to take evasive action, potentially averting a serious collision.

“There can be no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, let alone the distance Markfort travelled with the amount of ketamine she had in her system.”