Performing Clown Denies Being Drunk In Charge Of Car

One of the country's oldest performing clowns – whose act involves a customised vintage vehicle – denies being in charge of his car while over the drinks limit.

Rudi Wallenda, 79, of Wesley Avenue, Harlesden, who performs all over the country with his Comedy Car Act – 1926 BullnoseMorris - pleaded not guilty at Hendon Magistrates Court today.

He is charged with being in charge of a Ford Granada outside the Ramada Hotel, London Gateway Services, Mill Hill on January 7 with 196 milligrammes of alcohol in his urine – the legal limit is 107.

Wallenda, who was born into the famous European Flying Wallenda's high wire and trapeze act family, was bailed to stand trial at Willesden Magistrates Court on November 3.

He says he was not in charge of the vehicle after pulling into the services with a flat tyre and had no intention to drive the vehicle away.

The court heard Wallenda fell over and cut his face when trying to deal with the tyre and relieved his situation by drinking whiskey he had in the vehicle.

He had called his son Anthony for help, but the police turned up and arrested him.