A blind man who drove approximately 150 miles while under the influence of alcohol, using the lights of lorries as his guide, has been given a suspended jail sentence. Anthony Hall, 50, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol, taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, and driving without a license or insurance.
Authorities became aware of Hall's erratic driving on June 29 when police observed his vehicle weaving between lanes and drifting onto the hard shoulder near junction 44 of the M6 motorway in Cumbria. Officers stopped Hall, who was wearing dark glasses and using a white stick, at approximately 1:40 a.m. A roadside breath test revealed a reading of 50 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35.
Hall, who is registered blind and has never passed a driving test, told police he had been driving for more than two hours from his home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, towards Scotland. He explained that he had lost his sight about two years prior but retained some light perception. He stated that he followed the tail lights of a lorry but began looking for other markers after overtaking one.
During questioning, Hall admitted to consuming four bottles of wine before driving. He also confessed to taking his partner's Vauxhall without permission. He told officers that he had driven because he wanted to get away from his home life due to financial and relationship disagreements. He acknowledged the risks involved in driving as a registered blind person.
Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard that Hall had only stopped once during his journey to refuel, with a petrol attendant assisting him due to his blindness. Prosecutor Damian Walsh described Hall's driving as "prolonged and persistent" and indicative of a "disregard for the rules of the road."
Mitigating on Hall's behalf, Adele Graham stated that her client had experienced a mental breakdown on the night of the incident and felt trapped at home. Hall had no previous convictions.
Hall was sentenced to 36 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete ten rehabilitation activity requirements and has been disqualified from driving for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a £187 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. The court noted that his dangerous driving was aggravated by the excess alcohol in his system. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.