Man jumps into drink-driver’s car to take keys after incident

A DRUNK postal worker tried to drive off after hitting another vehicle.

However, the other driver leaped into the passenger seat of Rushiraj Bhatt’s Vauxhall Insignia and grabbed his car keys before calling the police.

Bhatt, 34, of Church Street, Thurmaston, pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Leicester Magistrates’ Court last week.

Prosecutor Stacey Mills said the collision happened in Newport Street, Newfoundpool, Leicester, on June 5.

She said: “The defendant tries to drive off and the victim climbs into the passenger seat and notices the smell of alcohol and sees beer cans. The defendant eventually stops and the victim takes the keys from the ignition.”

The police arrived and Bhatt was taken to a police station for a breath test, where he gave a reading of 81 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Laurette Grace, representing Bhatt, said her client had been drinking in response to the death of his mother, which had also led to him being off work with stress, anxiety and depression.

She said the married father of three was the only driver in the family, and also drove to work in Northampton.

Miss Grace said: “The offence occurred when this gentleman was struggling with bereavement.

“He lived next door to his mum and he felt he hadn’t put his mum to rest, not having done the religious ceremonies they usually do. He is very ashamed. Any driving ban is going to have an impact on his family income.”

Chairman of the bench Christopher Thompson, old Bhatt: “You were a person of previous good character and it’s a great shame you’re here before us because that no longer applies.”

He banned Bhatt from driving for 20 months and also ordered him to pay a £238 fine.