Magistrates at Carlisle’s Rickergate Court have heard that a man was caught drug driving his family home from their holiday while five times the legal limit.
Prosecuting, Peter Kelly told the court police stopped the family car on June 21 after they received reports about the poor standard of driving.
The defendant was at the wheel, with his partner and children in the car with him.
Mr Kelly said: “The officers decided to carry out some initial tests. A breath-test [for alcohol] was negative.
“However, a saliva test came back positive for cocaine. The defendant was then arrested and taken back to Carlisle and asked to provide a blood sample.”
The tests found him to have five times the legal limit of cocaine in his system.
District Judge John Temperly asked the defendant, who was representing himself, why he was drug driving.
He replied: “Please don’t think this is an excuse; I’ve done this and I’m guilty but I went through a bad time.
“I’d had a couple of bereavements in the family and had a bit of a breakdown.”
He added that a family member contracted Covid just before their holiday and was unable to join them.
“To be honest, I’m glad this happened because I was spiralling out of control,” the defendant added.
“It all came to a head one night: I got drunk; I took cocaine one night. But I’ve used this as a catalyst; I’ve engaged with Unity and actually been discharged by them.
“And I’ve engaged with First Steps and I’m now taking medication to help me and have started a new job.”
The 32-year-old also admitted he had been naive, not realising the drug would remain in his system for so long. He took cocaine on Saturday night but was stopped by police on the Monday. He had never wanted to put his family at risk.
He also told the court that his new employer was aware of his conviction and was on a programme of enhanced drug sampling at work.
After hearing a guilty plea to drug driving, Judge Temperly noted the man’s “positive changes” to his life as a result of the experience. He imposed a fine of £400 plus £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge, as well as an 18-month driving ban.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
