Drug driver given suspended prison sentence after leading police on pursuit through Berwick
A drug driver who led police on a pursuit through Berwick has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Peter Scott, 26, of Stebbings Rise in Eyemouth, pleaded guilty to five offences when he appeared at Berwick Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrates heard the defendant came to the attention of the police when driving in Tweedmouth at 1.40am on January 21.
Prosecutor James Long said: “PC Nash followed the vehicle along Dock Road and says the defendant was travelling at about 60mph in a 30mph limit. The police put their lights and siren on but the defendant failed to stop.
"The pursuit continued and the defendant slows down but continues to travel on to Main Street in Spittal, Billendean and Spittal Hall Road. A front seat passenger got out at Highcliffe before the defendant made off. He abandoned the vehicle at the end of Highcliffe and fled on foot. He was detained after a foot chase.”
Magistrates were also told the defendant was seen discarding items from the car before it was abandoned. One of the items was a lock knife.
The court heard the defendant tested positive for BZE (benzoylecgonine is the cocaine break down product). He gave a reading of 800ugs. The limit is 50ugs.
The defendant admitted a drug driving charge, failing to stop, driving without due care and attention, without insurance and possession of a knife.
In mitigation, Ian O’Rourke told the court the defendant had been a cocaine addict at the time of the offence but was now ‘trying desperately to turn his life around’.
He explained that the defendant was in possession of a lock knife because of the work he was doing at the time at a garage workshop.
After reading pre-sentence reports, chair of magistrates Ben Humphrey said: “This could have had a far worse outcome for everyone concerned. What is very concerning about the report is that you are not taking responsibility for this. While we recognise that drug addiction is serious and can often feel insurmountable, the only way you can get out of it is by accepting responsibility.”
He was given eight months in custody, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work, banned from driving for three years and told to pay a fine and costs totalling £272.