Drink Driver Sentenced for Driving on Tram Tracks and Assaulting Medic in Nottingham
Disturbing CCTV footage has revealed the moment a heavily intoxicated driver endangered lives by travelling along a tram line in Nottingham. Levi Gomez, 27, mounted the rails at the University Boulevard stop on 6 April last year, jolting along the gravel track in his black Vauxhall Insignia.
Dangerous Incident Unfolds
Gomez followed closely behind a tram as it headed towards Queen's Medical Centre hospital at around 6.30am. He came to a halt outside Nottingham Hockey Centre but remained on the track inside his vehicle, posing a significant risk to himself and others. A passing St John's Ambulance noticed the stationary car and stopped, leading a paramedic to pull Gomez from the vehicle.
In response, Gomez assaulted the ambulance worker. Police attended the scene, and upon arrest, he appeared heavily intoxicated but declined testing for drugs and alcohol. Officers found a dealer's bag of cannabis in the car along with several bottles of alcohol.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Gomez admitted to multiple charges, including:
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without a licence
- Possession of a Class B drug
- Failing to provide a specimen for analysis
- Assaulting an emergency worker
At Nottingham Crown Court, he received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was banned from driving for five years. Sentencing him on Tuesday, 10 March, Judge Michael Auty KC stated, "These are serious matters. When somebody behaves like this, it puts the lives of innocent people at risk. This could have been infinitely more serious."
Judge Auty acknowledged the offences warranted imprisonment but offered Gomez "one last chance" to avoid custody and receive professional support for his mental health. Gomez, from St Ann's, Nottingham, must also refrain from drinking alcohol for 120 days and undertake 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Police Response and Commendation
Sergeant James Rimmington of Nottinghamshire Police commented, "Driving along a tram-only track is incredibly dangerous, and I'd like to commend the paramedic for intervening in the way he did. Thanks to his brave actions and the swift response of our officers, no-one was harmed in this incident."
He added, "Gomez showed absolutely no regard for anyone's safety, including his own, by driving in such a dangerous manner, and I am pleased he has been made accountable for his actions." This case highlights the severe consequences of drink driving and assault on emergency workers, underscoring the importance of public safety on transport networks.
