Driver caught snorting cocaine on CCTV twice

A driver who was caught on CCTV snorting cocaine twice and went on to lead police on a chase through Cambridge has been sentenced.

CCTV operators in the city spotted driver Samuel Batters pull over just after 3am on 10 August, snort drugs, then drive off.

Police were contacted and found Batter’s Kia Sportage in Victoria Road but despite appearing to stop, he sped off.

As police continued to follow the 22-year-old, he collided with numerous parked cars and fences while appearing to stop a further three times.

Batters, of Highfield Drive, Littleport, was arrested in Highworth Avenue at 3.38pm following a short foot chase.

He tested positive for cocaine and cannabis on a drug swipe and gave a roadside breath sample of 74, more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.

In custody he provided an evidential reading of 53 microgrammes.

At Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (22 November), Batters was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving, drink driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

He was also disqualified from driving for 22 months and given a three month curfew to remain home between 8.30pm and 7am daily.

PC Shelley Cannon, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “Batters showed total disregard for the safety of other road users, passengers and potential pedestrians who might’ve been in the area at the time.

“His driving fell far below that expected of a competent and careful driver which goes to show the effects alcohol and drugs have on a driver’s confidence and risk-taking behaviour.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary operates a confidential, 24/7 hotline to report suspected drink or drug drivers on 0800 032 0845.

CCTV footage can be viewed on our website.