A 42-year-old woman from Beck Row, near Bury Saint Edmunds, has been disqualified from driving for a period of 17 months after being caught driving under the influence of cocaine.
On November 11, 2025, the defendant was driving a Peugeot along Lakenheath High Street, when she struck a parked car. Police performed a roadside drugs wipe, which indicated recent cocaine use.
She was later given a blood test at West Suffolk Hospital, which indicated 365 micrograms of Benzoylecgonine (the main active component of cocaine) per litre of blood. This is over seven times the legal limit of 50 microgrammes per litre.
She was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention and driving under the influence of drugs. She pleaded guilty to both charges, and was sentenced on June 30 at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court. In addition to the driving ban, the court imposed a fine of £320, £85 in court costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
PC Ella Sage, the officer in charge of the case, pointed to the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs, which can seriously impair judgment and reaction times, and potentially endanger life. She said that it was fortunate, that on this occasion, no one was injured in the accident.
If you are facing a charge of careless driving, solicitors at Auriga Advocates have the experience and specialist knowledge to help you as you engage with the legal process. Call us now, and we can give you the advice and support you need.