Doctor banned from the road after dangerous driving leads to three-car A1(M) pile-up near Stevenage

A doctor who caused a three-car pile-up on the A1(M) before speeding off along the hard shoulder has been banned from driving for 56 days.

Dr James Watkiss, of Bathgate Road in south London, was convicted of dangerous driving by Stevenage magistrates on Friday.

The 27-year-old doctor had denied the charge.

The court heard Dr Watkiss was on his way to work at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital at 7.40am on September 27 last year when he began tailgating a Volkswagen in front of him, flashing his lights and gesticulating.

Driving northbound near Junction 6 for Welwyn, Dr Watkiss then undertook the vehicle, pulled in front of it and slammed on his brakes – forcing the Volkwagen’s driver to do the same.

A white Vauxhall van then collided with the Volkswagen and a Mercedes crashed into the back of the Vauxhall.

Independent witnesses to the incident said the BMW did not stop, but drove off at speed along the hard shoulder northwards.

Two people were taken to the A&E department – at the hospital where Dr Watkiss was due for work that morning – with minor injuries.

On Friday he was disqualified from driving for 56 days and ordered to pay a fine of £1,875, £620 costs and £170 victim surcharge.