A reckless van driver who was caught drinking a can of Stella while behind the wheel on the M25 has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Dashcam footage captured Hilton’s van swerving between junctions 11 (Addlestone) and 10 (Wisley), forcing other drivers to brake suddenly to avoid a crash.
A quick-thinking motorist, who wishes to remain anonymous, alerted emergency services after witnessing Hilton drinking alcohol while driving.
“After seeing his reckless driving and drinking, I knew I had to act quickly to stop him,” the driver said.
“If there had been an accident and I didn’t report him, I would have regretted not calling 999 forever.”
Hilton was fired from his job after his employer, a small family-run business, learned of his reckless behaviour.
Concerned about potential backlash, they requested that any released footage have the van’s branding blurred to protect their company.
On 5 March 2025, Hilton appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after failing to enter a plea on 7 January.
Magistrates Mr. Dennis Brown and Ms. Angela Yvonne Coxhead sentenced him to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
He was also banned from driving for 32 months and must undergo nine months of alcohol dependency treatment.
Road safety experts have praised the driver who reported Hilton, crediting them with potentially preventing a major accident.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “This video shows the absolute terror of drink driving.
“Generally, motorways are our safest roads but not with a drunk driver on the rampage.
“It was a miracle that this van driver didn’t cause a serious crash or fatality.
“We commend the driver who reported this to the police and probably prevented a serious collision.”
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes, echoed these concerns: “Given the footage evidence, it was a miracle that nobody was seriously injured.
“We commend the vigilance of the other driver and the rapid response from the police, which meant the suspect was caught before he caused considerable harm to himself and others.
“Drink driving ruins lives, and our message is always that it should be none for the road.”
A Spokesperson for Surrey Police confirmed: “Lee Hilton, 36, of Great Goodwin Drive, Guildford, was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis on Saturday, 30 November, following a vehicle stop on the A3 southbound on Friday, 29 November.
“He was bailed to attend Guilford Magistrates Court on 7 January 2025.”
