A diabetic driver claims he was travelling erratically because his blood sugar levels dropped so low he “lost control.”Anthony Thomas Ball, 66, of Pearson Rd, Ipswich, was banned for 12 months, fined £350 and ordered to pay £43 in costs for dangerous driving after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on November 8 last year.

A DIABETIC driver claims he was travelling erratically because his blood sugar levels dropped so low he “lost control.”

Anthony Thomas Ball, 66, of Pearson Rd, Ipswich, was banned for 12 months, fined £350 and ordered to pay £43 in costs for dangerous driving after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on November 8 last year.

South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court heard how Ball was followed by another driver who became increasingly concerned when Ball's blue Ford Focus car began wavering from left to right.

Stephen Colman, prosecuting, said the witness called the police on his mobile phone and read the number plate to police officers as he continued to pursue Mr Ball who was travelling at around 50mph along the A140 towards the A14.

The witness then saw Mr Ball's Ford bounce of the curb and drive up onto the grass verge on the nearside.

This happened several times and the witness said he lost count as he became increasingly concerned that there would be a serious accident.

Ball then turned left without indicating on to the A14. The car continued to meander along the outside lane overtaking a lorry and then turning into the Asda car park.

Ball, who represented himself in the case, said he was a diabetic and at the time of the offence and he was suffering from dangerously low blood sugar levels.

According to Ball, who has been a diabetic since 1967, his intention was to stop at Asda and get something to eat.

He said: “I don't know how I got to that state. I tested myself for blood sugar levels before I left from Norwich and I was fine.

“When I was stopped at Asda I did a test with police and I was at 1.1, when you get that low you lose control. Once I did the test I knew I shouldn't have been driving.”

Ball claimed he had no idea he was driving so dangerously and apologised to the court, saying he just did not know what he was doing.

The Chairman of the bench, Mr Peter Wyllie, said: “Thank God there was no accident and maybe that was because of the chap that was following you.

“We have taken note of what you have said about your diabetes and the fact that you took the blood level before you left for Norwich and the fact that you really didn't realise how badly you were driving.”