A taxi driver who found himself at the centre of a dramatic police pursuit along the M25 while carrying an intoxicated passenger has avoided jail time in a remarkable court decision.
Mohammad Sadeghi, 46, was behind the wheel when his vehicle became the subject of a high-speed chase after his passenger, builder Grant Page, began violently assaulting the interior of the cab while heavily under the influence of alcohol.
The Chaotic Journey
The incident unfolded when Sadeghi picked up Page in Staines, Surrey, unaware of the turmoil that would soon follow. As the journey progressed towards Addlestone, Page's behaviour escalated dramatically.
The court heard how Page:
- Repeatedly punched the taxi's windows and dashboard
- Attempted to grab the steering wheel during the journey
- Forced the vehicle to swerve dangerously across lanes
The Police Pursuit
Concerned for public safety, other motorists alerted authorities, prompting a significant police response. Multiple patrol cars joined the pursuit along the busy orbital motorway, with officers attempting to bring the situation under control.
"The defendant was the driver of a Toyota Prius which was being driven erratically on the M25," prosecutor Andrew Smit explained to the court. "It was being driven at varying speeds and was swerving between lanes."
Courtroom Outcome
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Guildford Crown Court showed leniency towards Sadeghi. Judge Ross Duggan acknowledged the "difficult position" the driver found himself in, noting he was "effectively a hostage to his passenger."
The judge handed down a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, telling Sadeghi: "You were in a very difficult position. It must have been obvious your passenger was completely out of control."
Additional penalties included:
- 150 hours of unpaid community work
- 15 days of rehabilitation activities
- An 18-month driving ban
The Passenger's Fate
Grant Page, the instigator of the chaos, received a heavier sentence for his role in the incident. The 41-year-old was sentenced to 16 months in prison after admitting charges of criminal damage and being carried in a vehicle taken without consent.
The court heard that Page had been drinking heavily before hailing the taxi and had no memory of the subsequent events.
This case highlights the challenging situations taxi drivers can face and raises important questions about passenger safety and driver responsibility on Britain's roads.
