Dangerous driver who committed 10 offences over three days spared jail

Owen Carr, 33, got behind the wheel of a different vehicle each day and was witnessed driving 'all over the road'. He appeared to be under the influence when stopped by police and had cannabis in his possession.

The defendant admitted the following offences when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court:

• Driving a motor vehicle dangerously
• Driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs
• Possessing a controlled drug of Class B - Cannabis
• Failing to provide specimen for analysis - vehicle driver
• Failing to surrender to police / court bail at the appointed time
• Three charges of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence
• Three charges of using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance

Outlining the case, prosecutor Pamela Fee said Carr was seen by police driving a Ford Fiesta on Meadow Road in Whitehaven on February 6.

Checks showed he didn’t have insurance to drive the car and he was pulled over. It then became apparent that Carr didn’t have a driving licence and the vehicle was seized.

The following day police received a report of a Ford Transit ‘being driven all over the road’. It was driving towards oncoming traffic and almost collided with a parked car.

Police stopped the vehicle on High Road in Whitehaven. Carr stated he had only just bought the vehicle and that was why it didn’t have insurance.

Carr hadn’t put the handbrake on and the vehicle had rolled forward. He appeared to be under the influence.

A drugs wipe was positive for cannabis. Checks showed he didn’t have a licence and the vehicle wasn’t insured.

On February 8 police received a call of a white van being driven ‘all over the road’ on the A595. A further call was then received about the manner of driving.

Police located the vehicle with the engine still running on Mitchell Avenue in Workington. Officers were provided with a description of the male driver, which matched the defendant.

A drugs wipe was positive for cannabis and Carr was arrested. A search of the vehicle uncovered two snap bags of cannabis.

CCTV footage from a neighbour’s property showed Carr driving into a parking space, almost hitting a vehicle. A passenger is then seen getting out and Carr had knocked her over with the door.

He was then seen getting out and walking towards the address where he was located.

Carr was required to provide a sample of blood following the drug wipe being positive. He said he didn’t like needles and failed to provide a sample.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, said: “The last four months have been a massive blur to me. I have had some sort of a mental breakdown.

“The worst possible thing is to put me in prison when I have worked so hard to stay away from those people. It would push me over the edge.

“I’m very, very sorry. This won’t happen again. I’m a family man now. This has just been a blip. I would just like a chance.”

Carr, of Mitchell Avenue, Workington, also failed to surrender to custody at Workington  Magistrates' Court on February 14.

Magistrates imposed a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Carr was banned from driving for three years. He must complete an extended driving test if he wants to drive again with a licence.

He was also given a community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and must complete a 30-day thinking skills programme.

The defendant was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £54 victim surcharge. An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.