Blind man drove 150 miles on M6 whereas blind drunk utilizing HGV lights to ‘navigate’

A registered blind man from Huddersfield drove 150 miles along the M6 to Cumbria in the middle of the night after sharing four bottles of wine with his partner – following HGV tail lights to navigate

A Huddersfield man who is registered blind drove around 150 miles to Cumbria at night after sharing four bottles of wine with his partner.

Anthony Hall, 50, was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Meriva when officers spotted him in the early hours “weaving around” on the M6 northbound near Carlisle, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard.

The court was told that Hall had never possessed a driving licence and was registered blind. He turned up at court wearing dark glasses and carrying a white stick. Damian Walsh, prosecuting, said police received reports in the early hours of June 29 about a motorist under the influence of alcohol who was blind.

They tracked down a Meriva travelling north close to junction 44, reports Yorkshire Live. The car was said to be “weaving around” and drifting onto the hard shoulder.

Hall stopped and, when questioned if he had been drinking, confirmed that he had. He was asked if he was blind, and he said yes.

He explained he had lost his sight around two years ago, but could make out some light and that he had been driving by following the lights on a HGV.

He had overtaken a HGV and was searching for another “marker” when pulled over, having travelled around 150 miles from Huddersfield. He confessed to taking his partner’s car without permission.

During questioning, he revealed to officers that he understood the dangers he was courting but that he “wanted to get as far away from home life” and reach Scotland because of “ongoing disagreements” at home.

He had trailed tail lights throughout his journey from Huddersfield and had stopped at a petrol station where a member of staff had filled the vehicle with fuel.

He confessed to police that he had never held a driving licence and that prior to getting behind the wheel, he and his partner had shared four bottles of wine between them. He was the only person in the car.

Hall, of Lees Close, Huddersfield, had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, taking a motor without the owner’s consent, drink driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. He has no prior convictions.

Adele Graham, defending, said that on the evening in question, Hall had experienced a breakdown, felt confined within his own home and was suffering psychological distress.

He was now receiving medication and was reported to be feeling much improved. Magistrates imposed a 36-week prison term on Hall, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 10 rehabilitation activity days. He will additionally be monitored for alcohol consumption for 90 days via an electronic tag.

Hall, who receives Personal Independence Payments, must also pay £272 in costs. Magistrates also banned him from driving for 12 months.

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