Motorist gets judge’s sympathy

By Srinath Prasanna Jayasuriya

Colombo, Oct. 13 (Daily Mirror) - A motorist who allegedly blocked a High Court judge's vehicle, used obscene language, and threatened him was released after the judge personally intervened, police said.

Accordingly, the High Court Judge visited the Kiribathgoda Police Station and requested the release of a driver who had allegedly blocked his official vehicle on the Old Kandy Road near the University of Kelaniya on October 10 and verbally abused him.

Police said that the incident occurred when the judge was travelling to court in his official vehicle. A motorist reportedly cut across the road, stopped in front of the vehicle, opened the door, and used obscene language and threats.

Later, the judge's security officer noted down the vehicle’s registration number, leading to the driver’s arrest by Minuwangoda Police later that day. The suspect was later handed over to the Kiribathgoda Police.

Following the arrest, the judge visited the Kiribathgoda Police Station and requested that no legal action be taken against the suspect. At the station, the judge spoke to the driver and advised him to act with respect for the law and discipline.

The driver apologized for his conduct and gave an assurance that he would not repeat such behaviour. Police confirmed that the driver was subsequently released and the vehicle held in custody was returned to him.