A man was caught drug driving on Christmas Day behind the wheel of a delivery van after being pulled over by police.
Jonathan Divers, 38, had been driving a DHL Ford Transit on Warwick Road in Carlisle when officers observed the van appear to be speeding from Eastern Way, above the 30mph limit, around 8.45pm on December 25, 2023.
Prosecutor Alex Wood said: "Police officers were travelling along Warwick Road when they observed a DHL Ford Transit van appear to be speeding from Eastern Way, above the 30mph limit.
"Officers have pulled the vehicle over and have requested a drug wipe from the defendant who expressed that he thought he would fail because he had consumed cocaine."
Divers was arrested and taken to a police station where a sample tested showed the level of cocaine in his bloodstream was above the legal driving limit. He later admitted a charge of drug driving at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
This was not his first offence. In April, Divers was sentenced for a similar incident involving the same vehicle on November 1, 2023.
During sentencing, District Judge Philip Holden noted a lengthy probation report outlining Divers’ background, including struggles with cocaine and financial issues.
The judge concluded that Divers was a hard worker and also degree educated.
When asked if he wanted to address the court, Divers said: "Just that I am really sorry."
He was handed a 12-month community order, which includes a three-month drug rehabilitation requirement, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and 40 hours of unpaid work.
Divers, of Carliol Drive, Carlisle, was also banned from driving for 20 months.
Share