July 11, 2014
An Iranian in Britain has been taken to court for stealing a car, speeding, running stoplights, drunk driving and driving on the wrong side of the street.
His lawyer told the court that the problem was that the man was used to driving in Iran and didn‘t understand British driving standards.
Bolton Crown Court was told Ramin Ahmadi was visiting at a friend’s home March 9 and decided to take the friend’s car for a joyride while the friend was at work on the overnight shift.
At 4.30 a.m., a police officer spotted the car being driven on the wrong side of the road, prosecutor Rachel White told the court.
During a chase, Ahmadi reached speeds of up to 70 mph in a 30 mph zone and ignored red lights at several intersections before finally stopping.
The court was told that 21-year-old Ahmadi was also over the alcohol limit.
Ahmadi pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, drunk driving—and having no insurance.
Nick Ross, his defense attorney, said Ahmadi was more used to driving in Iran. “He now understands that standards which apply in this country are very different to those of his native Iran.” He didn’t explain if he really intended to say that drunk-driving and running red lights were legal in Iran.
He said Ahmadi, who has no previous convictions, hopes to study microbiology in Britain.
Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Ahmadi to 10 months, suspended for two years, and ordered him to carry out 160 hours of community work. Ahmadi was also banned from driving for 12 months and fined $160.