Running a red light whilst cocaine was in his system has resulted in a Lake man being handed a 12-month driving ban.
Stephen Johnston, 43, of Lake Green Road in Lake pleaded guilty to 2x drug driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday (30th May).
Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court that on the afternoon of 27th February, at around 12:30, officers on mobile patrol saw Johnston in his Citroen Dispatch van go through a red light on Coppins Bridge.
The 43-year-old was pulled over when it was safe to do so and was given a ticket for running the red light. At the roadside, a compulsory drugs wipe was conducted which returned a positive reading for cocaine.
When taken to Newport Police Station further evidential readings were taken which later returned over-the-limit readings for cocaine (20ug/l) and benzoylecgonine (80ug/l).
Defending, Barry Arnett told the court that his client was very apologetic and that he had chosen the wrong path following some personal issues and had decided to ‘dabble’ in cocaine.
Magistrates handed Johnston – a self-employed electrician – a 12-month driving ban. He was also fined £461, ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge fee of £184.
You Pratt maybe do something useful with your self
Cheer up Stephen still got your pecker
Loads of red light jumpers in Newport, Church Litten as signs up saying lights not in use ,but they are working ?.
Same all over the Island, many drivers especially “boy racers” seem to think road laws don’t apply to them and as we don’t have proper road policing or sensible punishment they know they can get away with it and have no interest in the safety of other road users.
If the sign says they are not in use, then they are not in use, irrespective of what they are actually doing.
Not a difficult concept to get your head around.
Who don’t bunk red lights on the island!
I have seen many persons bunk lights.
problem is that there are no Camera’s above them.
Islandwide anpr, that will stop the B’stards.
Stupid John and his stupid comments
dabble’ in cocaine. No excuse.
43 and taking cocaine!! Grow up for christ sake and take some responsibility…
Superb comment
Eat shrooms instead. They’re good for you
Just smoke weed
Give it a week and he’ll be driving again. Most of the trade on the island don’t have a licence to start with.
Always a hard luck story at the courts. Funny how they suddenly become apologetic when caught. Lucky nobody was killed whilst he was on drugs
Has anyone thought to check his electrical work?