A drug-driver who took cocaine then drove at speed on the A66, has been banned from driving for three years.

Jackson Walker, 27, was witnessed driving a white BMW at speed on the A66 at 9.15am on April 17, Workington Magistrates’ Court was told.

He was then seen driving into the Oakhurst garage at Cockermouth and had gone into the toilets.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Walker had disguised his appearance by removing his top and walked towards Cockermouth.

Police found Walker, who was under the influence of drugs. He had just been sick and had taken cocaine prior to driving, the court was told.

He had 382mcg of Benzoylecgonine – the body breakdown product of cocaine – per litre of blood. The legal limit is 50mcg.

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Mike Woolaghan, defending, rejected the prosecution’s suggestion that Walker had “disguised himself from detection”. He said the blue top Walker had been wearing was around his waist.

“He tells me that the misuse of drugs is significant of other things going on in his life. It coincides with the breakdown of a long term relationship.”

Mr Woolaghan said Walker’s partner and best friend were in a relationship and the “level of betrayal” and impact on him was “profound”.

He said Walker began drinking to excess, was consuming drugs, and found himself falling into debt. He had struggled to maintain his then employment.

Mr Woolaghan said Walker had taken the decision to move back home, had been able to secure new employment and is now in a new relationship.

Walker, of Annie’s Cottage, Eaglesfield, Cockermouth, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.

Magistrates banned Walker from driving for 36 months.

He was fined £1,850 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £185 victim surcharge.

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