A man who stole a double decker bus while under the influence of alcohol and drove it through Watford, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, has been jailed for 21 months. News, 1017

On Thursday, July 7 this year at around 9.50pm, 35 year old Deepak Malhotra, of Edgware Road, London, forced his way onto an empty bus at Watford Bus Station in Woodford Road and drove almost three miles around the town causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the bus, roadside furniture and two parked cars.

Malhotra eventually stopped the bus in Bushey Mill Lane and attempted to make off.

He was arrested nearby in St Albans Road. At Harrow Crown Court on Wednesday (October 19), he was jailed for 21 months for aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified and drink driving. Malhotra was also banned from driving for three years and must retake his driving test before regaining his licence. He had pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

Investigating officer PC Mark Logan said: “Malhotra caused thousands of pounds worth of damage as he dangerously drove around the streets of Watford and it is only pure luck that no-one was injured during his reckless joyride.

“He was both under the influence of alcohol and banned from driving at the time of the offence.
News, 1017
“The bus was seen to mount kerbs, collide with a road sign and railings, jump a red light forcing motorists to brake to avoid hitting the double decker and collide with two vehicles causing extensive damage.”