A 49-year-old man registered as blind was stopped by police after driving approximately 150 miles along the M6 motorway while under the influence of alcohol, a court was told. Anthony Hall, from Huddersfield, was observed driving erratically south of Carlisle in the early hours, prompting concerned motorists to contact authorities.

Police officers witnessed the Vauxhall Meriva Hall was driving drifting between lanes and onto the hard shoulder. Hall, who does not hold a driving licence and is legally prohibited from driving due to his blindness, had reportedly taken the vehicle without his partner’s consent. When questioned by officers, Hall admitted to consuming alcohol and explained that he managed to drive by following the lights of heavy goods vehicles ahead.

Prosecutor Suresh Basra described the journey as a “prolonged and persistent course of dangerous driving.” He noted that it was fortunate no injuries or damage occurred during the incident, which took place last month. Breath tests conducted on the roadside and later at the police station confirmed Hall had 46 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

At Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, Hall entered guilty pleas to multiple offences including drink-driving, dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Hall appeared wearing dark glasses and using a white cane.

Defence solicitor Adele Graham requested an adjournment for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report, citing personal circumstances that she argued should be taken into account before sentencing. The magistrates granted the adjournment, scheduling a sentencing hearing for September 8 at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court. In the meantime, Hall was given an interim driving ban.

Dangerous driving carries a mandatory disqualification, and Hall faces the possibility of imprisonment pending the outcome of the sentencing hearing. The exact duration of his driving ban will be determined at that time.