Blind man banned after driving 150 miles on motorway at night while drunk

A drunk blind man drove 150 miles to Cumbria by following the tail lights of lorries in front of him.

Anthony Hall, 50, was spotted by police in the early hours of the morning ‘weaving around’ on the M6 northbound near Carlisle, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard.

The court was told that Hall had never held a driver’s licence and was registered blind.

Damian Walsh, prosecuting, said police received information in the early hours of June 29 about a driver under the influence of alcohol and who was blind.

They located a Vauxhall Meriva heading north near to junction 44. The vehicle was said to be ‘weaving around’ and going onto the hard shoulder.

Admitting to drinking, he told officers he had gone blind around two years ago, but was able to see some light and that he had driven following the lights on a HGV.

He had overtaken a HGV and was looking for another ‘marker’ when he was stopped, having driven around 150 miles from Huddersfield.

He admitted taking his partner’s car without consent.

During interview, he told police he knew the risks he was taking but that he ‘wanted to get as far away from home life’ and to reach Scotland due to ongoing disagreements at home.

He had followed tail lights all the way from Huddersfield and had visited a petrol station where an attendant had filled up the car with fuel. He told police that he never had a driving licence and that before he drove he and his partner had consumed four bottles of wine between them.

He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Hall, of Lees Close, Huddersfield, previously admitted dangerous driving, taking a motor without the owner’s consent, drink driving, and, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. He has no previous convictions.

Adele Graham, mitigating, that on the night in question, Hall had suffered a breakdown, felt trapped in his own home and was in psychological distress. He was now taking medication and was said to be feeling better.

Magistrates handed Hall a 36-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He must also carry out 10 rehabilitation activity days. He will also be subject to a 90-day alcohol monitoring via a tag.

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