A blind drink-driver who covered 150 miles on the M6 by tailing lorry lights pleaded guilty to a string of driving offences in Carlisle court this week. Anthony Hall, 49, of Lees Close, Huddersfield, admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving without a licence or insurance, and taking his partner's Vauxhall Meriva without her permission.
Hall, who has been registered blind for two years, drove from West Yorkshire towards Cumbria during the night of 29 June. The journey ended at around 1.45am when police spotted his car near Junction 44 at Carlisle, following reports that the vehicle had been taken without consent. Officers watched as the car weaved between lanes one and two and repeatedly drifted towards the hard shoulder.
How did he manage to drive 150 miles?
When Hall was pulled over, he immediately admitted he had been drinking wine. He then astonished officers by revealing that he had navigated the entire motorway stretch by following the rear lights of HGVs. A breathalyser test showed he had 46 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath - more than 30% above the legal limit of 35 micrograms.
Prosecutor Suresh Basra told Rickergate Magistrates' Court that Hall was a man of good character with no previous convictions. "He is registered blind and does not have a driving licence, so he is not allowed to drive," Basra said. "But he took the vehicle in question from his partner without her knowing. He drove 150 miles from Huddersfield."
"Miraculous" that no one was hurt
Basra described the offending as "prolonged and persistent" and highlighted the potential consequences. "There was a decision to ignore the rules of the road and risk danger to others," he said. "There was also the consumption of alcohol and although there was no injury, it's miraculous that Mr Hall has been so fortunate and that there was no injury or damage."
The court heard that Hall was uninsured, meaning any collision could have left other road users without compensation. The fact that the vehicle was taken without the owner's knowledge added a further criminal element to the case.
Sentencing adjourned for pre-sentence report
Defence solicitor Adele Graham argued that there were "a lot of circumstances" magistrates should consider, including Hall's personal life and background. She successfully requested that a pre-sentence report be prepared before any penalty is imposed. Magistrates agreed to adjourn sentencing until 8 September, and Hall was issued with an interim driving ban in the meantime.
Hall now faces the prospect of a custodial sentence, a lengthy disqualification, and fines for the multiple offences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the severe risks posed by driving while blind and under the influence of alcohol, particularly on a busy motorway such as the M6.
He is due back at the same court for sentencing, where magistrates will take into account the pre-sentence report along with the mitigation put forward by his legal team. The interim disqualification prevents him from getting behind the wheel until that date.
