Jack Brownless, 39, of Hazelbury Bryan in Dorset, has been banned from driving for five years after being caught driving under the influence of drugs. On Monday, August 22, a silver Mercedes B-Class was spotted driving erratically on the A39 near Wells in Somerset by a concerned member of the public. Brownless struck a wall during his journey, and another driver attempted to assist him. However, Brownless got back into his car and stopped at the Green Ore Crossroads before police arrived around 5:45 pm.
Body-worn footage from Avon and Somerset police shows that Brownless was barely able to respond to simple questions, slurring his speech and appearing confused. He tested positive for cannabis in a roadside drug test and was taken into custody. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found several small bags of ketamine inside the cup holders and on the driver’s seat. Cannabis was also discovered inside a tobacco pouch in the centre console.
Brownless pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug limit and possession of two controlled Class B drugs – ketamine and cannabis. On Tuesday, December 9, Yeovil Magistrates' Court sentenced him to a 26-week prison term, suspended for two years, a five-year driving disqualification, 100 hours of unpaid work to be completed within the next 12 months, and a rehabilitation activity requirement.
READ MORE: Man Seriously Injured in Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up Reunites with Lifesaving Ambulance Crew
READ MORE: Somerset Council Confronts £73m Budget Crisis Amid Financial Struggles
PC Sam Colebrook, involved in the case, stated, “We received multiple calls after Brownless was seen driving erratically. When we spoke to him, he was heavily under the influence, slurring, and confused. Finding ketamine and cannabis in the vehicle alongside his positive drug test highlights the grave danger he posed to others. We’re fortunate the situation didn’t result in serious injury or worse.”
Police continue to urge the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers by calling 999. Avon and Somerset police also encourage anonymous reporting through their online form or by visiting a police station. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online.