Charlie Atkin, a 35-year-old father of two from Deal, narrowly avoided prison after being caught driving under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, with a knife and multiple packets of drugs found in his vehicle. The incident unfolded after CCTV operators observed him taking cocaine outside a pub and later driving off in his Mercedes, prompting police to intercept him.
The court at Folkestone heard that Atkin, who lives on Mill Hill in Deal, was first spotted on 3 March outside the Walmer Castle pub showing a “white substance” to friends. After entering another pub, The New Inn, he returned to his car, and CCTV operators alerted the police. Atkin proceeded to drive away, even going the wrong way down a one-way street before officers stopped him on The Strand, where they conducted a search.
The search revealed a three-inch lock knife stashed under his car’s console, along with six small packets containing 3.51 grams of cocaine and a bundle of cash. Atkin also tested above the legal limit for alcohol, with 45 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath (the limit being 35), and recorded 78 micrograms of benzoylecgonine—a cocaine by-product—in 100ml of blood, exceeding the 50-microgram legal threshold.
Appearing in court, Atkin admitted to charges of drug and drink-driving, possessing cocaine, and carrying a bladed article. Defence lawyer Lainy Snook highlighted Atkin’s history of binge drinking, which escalated following a breakup. She explained that Atkin had intended only to have a few drinks for a friend’s birthday but found himself returning to old habits. The knife, Snook argued, had been forgotten in the vehicle, having been picked up from a car park months prior.
Ms Snook emphasised the impact the offence would have on Atkin’s life, including a 32-month driving ban that would make visiting his children difficult. Atkin’s self-employed work as a bricklayer was also at risk due to travel limitations. In her statement, she added, “He has shown remorse and recognises he has let himself down,” noting that Atkin had not used drugs or binged on alcohol since the incident and had managed to stay out of trouble for the past eight years.
Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, magistrates opted for a high-level community order. Atkin must complete five rehabilitation sessions, undertake a 26-session accredited programme, and wear an alcohol abstinence tag for 90 days. Additionally, he is required to pay £85 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
This sentence serves as both a warning and an opportunity for Atkin to reform, with the court hoping that the structured support of probation and abstinence monitoring will prevent any repeat of the dangerous behaviour displayed on 3 March.
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.
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