A HGV driver who fell asleep at the wheel before driving for nearly a mile on the wrong side of the motorway is now behind bars.

Michael Hughes, from Stoke-on-Trent, was jailed for nine months at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday after driving on the wrong side of the M62 and causing a crash between two other vehicles.

The 63-year-old, who had undiagnosed sleep apnoea, had been driving on the westbound carriageway when he crossed the central reservation of the M62 between junctions seven at Rainhill and junction eight at Burtonwood at around 3.50pm on September 7, 2016.

Cars had to swerve to avoid him and the driver of a white van on the motorway suffered back and neck injuries when his vehicle collided with another car which was also attempting to avoid the lorry.

Hughes, who admitted dangerous driving, then continued to drive on the wrong side of the road before leaving the motorway at junction seven.

PC Kurt Timpson, from Merseyside Police, said: “While one driver has been left with lasting injuries as a result of Hughes’ driving, it is miraculous that no-one was more seriously hurt during this incident.

“After colliding with the central reservation, Hughes had plenty of time to stop the vehicle and seek assistance, but chose to continue his journey on the wrong side of the road, putting dozens of others drivers lives in danger.

“I would appeal to all drivers to find a safe place to stop if you begin to feel sleepy and follow the advice given by the Department of Transport's dedicated road safety website, with guidance and information for all road-users."