An unlicensed driver in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire, has been caught by police after taking a severely disabled teenager and his carer to school whilst under the influence of both cannabis and cocaine.
Peter McKay, of West Bridgford, was spotted by an off-duty police officer as he drove his minibus cab down the A50 towards Derby Moor School.
Dangerous Driving
The police officer followed in horror as Mr McKay clipped kerbs, swerved the cab into the path of oncoming traffic and drove at speeds of up to 70mph for approximately 10miles.
Lynn Bickley, prosecuting, said: “An off-duty police officer was behind Mr McKay and as they came up to an HGV. The defendant swerved without warning into the second lane, braking suddenly.
“The officer overtook Mr McKay and noticed he appeared to be falling asleep. He sounded his horn and the defendant lifted his head as though he was waking up.”
Out-of-Date License
At trial in Southern Derbyshire Magistrate Court, Mr McKay said he felt embarrassed by his actions and knew he was lucky that everyone involved escaped unhurt.
The court heard that Mr McKay was driving with an out-of-date private hire cab license, which he claimed he wasn’t aware of. The defendant also admitted to taking cannabis and cocaine the previous day.
He commented: “I took the drugs around 3 o’clock the day before. I didn’t realise they’d still be effective in my system. I’m embarrassed, I was lucky. The main thing is that no-one was hurt which I am very thankful for.”
“You took this boy to a school where other children were arriving and put them at risk too.”
Judge Ruling
Magistrate, Wal Budzynski, said: “You put the lives of a wheelchair-bound, severely disabled teenage boy and his carer at serious risk of death or serious injury.
“And you’re aware that you took this boy to a school where other children were arriving and put them at risk too. That’s something you should have taken into account before you got behind the wheel.”
Mr McKay was given an 18-week prison sentence, a 20-month driving ban, 300 hours community service and ordered to pay £315 in penalties.