Man Banned for Drug-Driving Days After Taking Cocaine at Birthday Party

A 23-year-old man has been disqualified from driving after being caught drug-driving only days after taking cocaine at a birthday party.

Niall Kennedy was stopped by police while driving a Volvo V50 on the A6 near Carlisle at around 4:30pm on October 27 last year. Officers carried out a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result.

Further analysis of an evidential sample confirmed that the level of a cocaine breakdown product in his system exceeded the legal driving limit.

At court, Kennedy, of Etterby Lea Crescent, Carlisle, admitted the offence of drug-driving.

His defence solicitor told the court that he had not believed he was still over the legal limit at the time of driving and did not think he was impaired. However, it was accepted that he should not have been behind the wheel, and he expressed remorse for his actions.

District Judge Philip Holden imposed a £500 fine and disqualified Kennedy from driving for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

The case highlights the risks of drug-driving, particularly where substances can remain in the body longer than expected, leaving drivers over the legal limit even days after use. 

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