DRUG DRIVER ON HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY GAVE DETAILS OF HIS BROTHER TO EVADE PUNISHMENT

A Kent man who attempted to get away with several motoring offences – including driving whilst disqualified – by giving Police his brother’s name is due to be sentenced next month. Michael Blow, 24, of Knockhall Chase in Greenhithe pleaded guilty to drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday (10th November). Lauren Stone, prosecuting, told the court that at around 14:00 on 12th June 2023, Blow was stopped by Police on Esplanade in Ryde. He had his partner and young daughter in the car. When speaking to officers, Blow gave the details of his brother before completing a roadside drugs wipe which returned a positive reading for cannabis. He was also driving without correct 3rd party insurance. Blow was released and ordered to attend court last month, however, when his brother received a court summons through the post he contacted the Police to say it wasn’t him and that it was in fact his brother, Michael, who was driving the vehicle that day. Having investigated the claims, Police found that the fingerprints lifted from the scene did in fact belong to Michael Blow. The 24-year-old admitted in interview that he was sorry for giving the wrong details. Blow was handed a 5-year driving ban back in 2019 and, at the time of the offence in June, had just 5 months left to serve. Defending, Michael McGoldrick said that his client had been visiting the Island with his family and was on his way to get the boat back home. He added that Blow gave incorrect details because he just wanted to get his daughter home. The case has been adjourned until 15th December at Medway Magistrates Court in Kent. Blow was handed an interim driving ban in the meantime.