DRIVING BAN: Taxi driver found asleep at the wheel in middle of the road

A taxi driver in Blackburn has been banned from driving for 12 months after being found asleep in his vehicle in the middle of the road.

Police struggled to wake 34-year-old Tahis Zaman, who was discovered slumped behind the wheel of his taxi. When they eventually managed to get him out, officers noted a strong smell of cannabis.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Zaman was convicted of being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit for cannabis, as well as possession of the drug.

Zaman was fined £200, ordered to pay £400 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Deputy District Judge Timothy Gascoyne, commenting on the case, pointed out the potential danger if Zaman had woken and attempted to drive. A photo of Zaman asleep in custody was also presented to the court.

Prosecutor Zulekha Bhuta told the court that police had to knock hard on Zaman’s car window to rouse him. After eventually waking, he slurred his speech and had the scent of cannabis.

In his defence, Vaqas Latif said Zaman had taken prescription medications, which, combined with cannabis, led to his impaired state.