A Wiltshire traffic cop has condemned the actions of a drug driver convicted this week.
PC Luke Hobbs, of the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) said 35-year-old Craig Deyager’s choice to drive whilst under the influence of drugs put innocent lives at risk.
“Deyager got behind the wheel of a car that evening knowing he was impaired by drugs and in doing so put lives unnecessarily at risk”, he commented.
He was pulled over by officers late on 3 June last year – after his modified Skoda Fabia was seen being driven erratically for more than four miles – between Cricklade Road to Stokesay Drive.
A drug swipe was taken from Deyager during the stop and returned a positive result. He was searched on arrested, with an officer uncovering a small amount of cannabis in the pocket of his trousers before he was taken to Gablecross custody.
PC Hobbs added: “Driving under the influence of drugs impairs your vision and slows your reaction time.
“As a result, you are more likely to be involved in a collision and that collision leading to serious injury or a fatality.”
“We are pleased with the lengthy ban imposed.”
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court, he was disqualified from driving for 36 months (three years), fined £120 and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.
Wiltshire Police is asking anyone who is concerned that someone is driving under the influence of drugs to contact them by calling 101, giving as much information as possible, including the driver’s details or description and their car registration.
However, if you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then you should always call 999 for an immediate response.