08-02-2025
Drug driver caught after travelling at speed through Newport
AN ISLE of Wight drug driver caught by police after travelling at speed has been banned from the road.
Dominic McLoughlin, of Venner Avenue, Cowes, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, February 4.
The 38-year-old admitted drug driving in Newport on September 13 of last year.
Prosecutor, Munayah Hassan, said patrolling police officers stopped a white Audi travelling at speed.
She said efforts were made to catch up, and after the vehicle came to a stop on Cook Avenue, its driver, McLoughlin, approached police.
Officers noted the smell of alcohol and carried out a breath test, which came back negative – 17 when the drink drive limit is 35.
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A DrugWipe, however, registered a positive reading for BZE, a derivative of cocaine – 240 when the specified limit is 50.
Oscar Vincent, defending, said it was a routine stop, McLoughlin was fully co-operative, and the vehicle was correctly documented.
He said McLoughlin had been running an errand for his daughter's mother and felt OK to drive.
The court heard he consumed cocaine approximately three days before the incident.
McLoughlin, who had seven previous convictions for ten offences, was disqualified from driving for 24 months and fined £933.
He must pay costs of £85 and a £466 surcharge.
