Drug driver banned after being caught ten times over the limit

Shane Barnard, of Short Street, was stopped on three separate occasions and found to be up to ten times over the legally accepted limit for ketamine.

Salisbury Magistrates Court heard how Barnard was first stopped in Pewsey in October last year, when he failed a roadside drugs test and was also found in possession of cannabis. A toxicology report later showed he was nine times over the accepted limit for ketamine.

A fortnight later, after being released while under investigation, Barnard was found in possession of a number of Class C drugs. He failed a roadside drugs test and toxicology results showed he was ten times over the accepted ketamine limit.

Barnard was stopped for a third time last November when he was seen driving erratically by Royal Military Police on the A303. He was arrested after failing a roadside drugs test and was arrested. He was also found to have a defective tyre.

At Monday’s hearing, Barnard was disqualified from driving for three years and given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to attend 20 Rehabilitation Days, and pay £353 in costs and surcharges.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Driving whilst under the influence of drugs is incredibly dangerous and getting people like Barnard off the road is a priority.

“It’s clear he has no regard for the law and that’s why I hope this sentence will go some way to sending out a message that we won't accept this in Wiltshire.”

Drug driving is one of the fatal four factors that increase the risk of road users being significantly injured or killed if involved in a road traffic collision.

If you suspect someone of drink or drug-driving then please then please call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver's details or description and their car registration.

If you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then please call 999.