A Slovakian national, who drove the wrong way along the M62 causing serious injury to a woman, is wanted by the police after he failed to turn up to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court.

Jaroslave Balaz, 37, who had been drinking, smashed head-on into another vehicle leaving Sharon Kaye needing surgery for injuries to her spine on October 14 last year.

He was committed by Kirklees Magistrates to the Crown Court for sentence today after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving over the alcohol limit.

But John Boumphrey representing him told the court he had not seen him.

"Those instructing me attempted to call his mobile phone and received no response," he added.

Judge Sally Cahill QC issued a bench warrant not back for bail for the arrest of Balaz of Hastings Terrace, Bradford.

The magistrates court heard that motorists were forced to take evasive action as Balaz’s Vauxhall Zafira headed towards them eastbound on the westbound carriageway of the M62.

He eventually collided with the vehicle of Mrs Kaye, 40, from Holmfirth. She had to be freed from her vehicle by fire crews. She suffered serious injuries to her spine which required a full-day operation. She is recovering but her prognosis is unclear.

The westbound section of the motorway between junctions 25 and 26 was closed for hours following the smash. Balaz admitted drinking the night before and having a drink at breakfast before the incident.

Tests showed he had 110 milligrames of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, the limit being 80.

The court was told on Balaz’s behalf that he was intending to visit his parents in Kent who had been evicted by their landlord. He had pulled on to the Hartshead service station for a sleep but then joined the M62 down the entry slip road.

His solicitor told the court when he came to after sleeping he accepted he went the wrong way on to the motorway and drove for some distance.