Drugs left driver out of control

A GOLD Coast driver was so high on the drug ice she drifted in and out of consciousness and swerved across lanes.

It was the second time in two weeks that Tegan Louise Curtis was caught driving while high.

The mother pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to driving while under the influence and drug driving.

Magistrate Pamela Dowse sentenced Curtis to two years probation and banned her from holding a licence for seven months. “You are not allowed on the road when you have such a disrespect for the road rules,” she said.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Bob Soper said she was seen driving erratically on Oxenford Southport Rd, Hope Island, swerving across lanes of traffic before coming to a stop.

“Her driving was so concerning a member of the public put their vehicle in her path and took the keys from the ignition,” he said.

Sgt Soper said an ambulance was called after Curtis was seen to be drifting in and out of consciousness at the wheel. The court was told tests revealed there was so much methylamphetamine in Curtis’ system it caused sedation.

Sgt Soper said Curtis told police she was “going to pick up her kids from school”.

Curtis’ solicitor Mark Bamberry, of Bamberry Lawyers, said Curtis was not on her way to pick up her children.

Mr Bamberry said at the time Curtis’ mother-in-law had the children and was refusing to return them. He said that is why Curtis turned to ice.

Convictions were recorded.