24-year-old Chad Cooper, who was caught with almost 8x the legal limit of Benzoylecgonine in his system whilst driving a woman and child around, has been handed a 3-year driving ban.
Cooper, of Bellevue Road in Cowes, pleaded guilty to 1 charge of drug driving when he appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court last Friday (20th September).
The court heard how the 24-year-old, driving his grey Audi S3, was stopped by Police at The Bull Ring in Brading on 9th June, as previously reported by Island Echo. 2 passengers were located inside the vehicle; a woman and a young child.
A number of officers descended on the scene and a roadside drugs wipe was conducted, which indicated a positive result.
Cooper was arrested and taken into custody where evidential blood tests were taken, which later returned a reading of 387 mg/l of Benzoylecgonine (a breakdown of cocaine) – the specified limit being 50 mg/l.
Magistrates, after hearing that Cooper has previous motoring convictions, including for drug driving, handed him a 3-year driving disqualification, fined him £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs with a £48 surcharge.
Nearly 8x over the drug limit, and with previous drug driving offences, does anyone, including the Magistrate, seriously think that a small fine and a disqualification will actually stop him from driving?
So this git who endangered not just the lives of his innocent passsengers but of all other road users as well, walks away with a “ban” so that he can be back behind the wheel, illegally again, tomorrow.
Was the car seized and crushed? No.
How about a special tattoo (I believe they are popular) – this one across the forehead – “IDIOT”.
Should have got a 3 year jail term
Realistically, imprisoning people is not a runner at present as the jails are full. He will probably never pay the fine or costs and they will be lodged if he ever spends a night in custody. He will almost certainly drive while disqualified. The only practical solution which will take money off people like this, take them off the road and hit them where it hurts is to crush their cars.