Ballentyne’s actions forced several vehicles to change direction and swerve around him, causing drivers to lose focus and endanger other road users and members of the public walking nearby.
He was located a short time later, and required several police officers to take him into custody due to his “volatile and aggressive behaviour”.
When spoken to by police at the time Ballentyne said he didn’t have an excuse for his actions, but lawyer Rob Ord said the situation had been sparked by a communication breakdown.
Ord said Ballentyne, who had been staying at the Wakatu Hotel, had been to visit a next door neighbour where they had been drinking for a few hours.