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Posted on the 7th February 2025 in PHTM News
DRUNK CABBIE WITH 90 YEAR OLD MOTHER IN CAR WEAVES ACROSS M1 PROMPTING ROLLING ROADBLOCK
A dramatic scene unfolded on the northbound M1 in Leicestershire when a drunk taxi driver's erratic driving prompted a rolling roadblock to protect other motorists.
Nadarajah Balan, 47, was observed swerving between lanes near Ratby with his 90-year-old mother as a passenger in his Volkswagen.
A National Highways officer witnessed Balan's dangerous manoeuvers and alerted Leicestershire Police, who then implemented a moving roadblock.
This tactic allowed officers to safely surround Balan's vehicle and bring him to a stop. Upon exiting the car, Balan smelled strongly of alcohol and subsequently failed a roadside breath test.
Balan's breath test at the police station registered 69 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath, nearly double the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
He pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 5 February.
His defence lawyer, David Jennings, offered an explanation for Balan's condition saying his client did not realise he had been drinking alcohol. He added that at the time he was pulled over, Balan had been feeling drowsy and planning to pull over to rest.
"He had been drinking orange juice that was in the car," Mr. Jennings told the court. "He thought it tasted bitter but continued to drink it. He realised that orange was laced with something.”
Mr. Jennings also highlighted the severe consequences Balan now faces, including the loss of his taxi licence and the potential inability to pay his mortgage.
"He's going to find life difficult going forward," Mr. Jennings stated, urging the court to "keep his ban to the minimum."
Despite the plea, Balan, from Shildon, Co Durham, received a 20-month driving ban. He was also fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 pm on Sunday, 19 January.
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