A lorry driver who crashed into an illuminated sign at M40 services has been banned from the roads for two years.

Pictures showed the shocking scene after Ihar Kudzelka drove his Mercedes Actros articulated truck into the signage at the Cherwell Valley services near Bicester.

The sign smashed through the lorry's cab, splintering the windshield. Seemingly, the sign was unscathed.

READ MORE: Arrest after lorry smashes into sign

Kudzelka, 36, was breathalysed at the scene then, again, at the police station after his arrest on Monday, January 30. Tests showed he had 63mcgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath, almost twice the legal limit of 35mcgs.

Appearing before Oxford Magistrates’ Court, Kudzelka, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The justices fined him £126 and ordered he pay £135 in costs and surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for two years.

Read more from this author

This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward