A DRINK driver who was caught travelling at 146mph on the M4 has been disqualified from driving and fined.

Billy James Rich from Highworth was caught yesterday morning, just after midnight, after he overtook an unmarked police vehicle in his BMW.

Officers from Tri-Force pulled the 23-year-old over between junction 17 (Chippenham) and 16 (West Swindon).

Rich pleaded guilty to the charges and was disqualified from driving for 22 months, fined £692 and ordered to pay a total of £154 costs.

PC Andy Lee of the Tri-Force roads policing unit said: “

“The speed limit is there for a reason. Not only did this driver reach completely unacceptable speeds, he had also been drinking. He clearly had no consideration for others and his actions put himself, other drivers and road users in danger.

“Please think before you get behind the wheel.

"If you are going to flout the law with behaviour like this, you will be caught, arrested and prosecuted. Nothing is worth taking the risk.”