An Axminster drug-driver on ketamine who failed to let police pass on blue lights faces a six-month court wait to be sentenced while he tries to tackle his drug use.
A 29-year-old man has appeared in court for driving while on ketamine, after an emergency police vehicle was unable to pass his car, writes Isabelle Pinnock, OPCC court reporting scheme.
Douglas Deakin, of Shave Lane, Axminster, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and possession of a class B drug from February 2 this year.
Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard an officer had been responding to an emergency incident at around 7pm when he struggled to pass a VW Passat on Chard Road, Axminster.
Despite the vehicle having blue lights and sirens activated, the defendant failed to pull over for the police car, before eventually stopping in the middle of the road.
In his statement, the attending officer said: “In my nine years of policing I have never stopped someone so impaired by drugs or alcohol.”
Deakin was arrested and later found in possession of 42.99 grams of ketamine.
The court heard Deakin has two previous convictions and last appeared before the court in 2018 where he received a prison sentence.
Peter Woodley, mitigating, emphasised that Deakin struggled significantly with his mental and physical health.
Woodley said the defendant has “issues with Ketamine”, but that he has independently sought support for substance abuse and his “confidence has grown”.
The bench deferred sentence for six months and imposed an interim driving ban.
The chair of magistrates said: “That leaves you to carry on with the work you are doing.
“You have actively taken steps towards your recovery.”
Deakin will return to Exeter Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on January 11 next year.
