Man caught driving under the influence of ketamine and cocaine

A man was caught driving with ketamine and cocaine in his system.

Thomas McVey was trapped after police officers spotted him on a Kirkintilloch road on March 25, 2023, in his car and flagged him down.

He was the only occupant.

The 50-year-old man spoke to police, who noted he had slurred speech and blurry eyes.

They then searched the vehicle and recovered a screwdriver.

The Milton of Campsie resident was arrested, cautioned and charged. He was then taken to Coatbridge police station, where tests were carried out.

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He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week after pleading guilty to driving with drugs in his system and possessing the item.

Sheriff Vincent Lunny said: “The numbers are high but that doesn’t mean anything to me, I have to judge based on the way he drove. He didn’t cause an incident.”

McVey’s lawyer added: “He regrets it. The purpose of the screwdriver was to remove a hubcap. That had been concluded and there was no reason to keep the item in the car.”

He also noted that he had previously appeared in court for driving offenses.

The sheriff responded, “If he continues to do this, he will go to jail.” This is bad enough and disturbing to see.

“If you continue to drive while disqualified you will be sent to prison.”

He was disqualified for three years and tagged for 12 weeks, forcing him to stay at his home between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.