Jail for drug-driver in binge at christening

A DRIVER who was 16 times over the limit for a Class A drug after a cocaine and alcoholfuelled christening has been jailed for 13 months.

Drew McCluskey, 35, was also banned from driving for 39 months after storming off following the celebration.

McCluskey admitted driving while he was 16 times over the permitted limit for a cocaine derivative and five times over the limit for cocaine.

Sheriff Paul Brown noted that he had a lock knife in the car with him and had been freed early from a previous prison sentence at the time.

Sentencing him at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday, the sheriff said: “These are serious offences. Your offending seems to be increasing in frequency and seriousness.

“You were unfit to drive through drink or drugs, had drugs and a knife in your possession, and this was all against a background of being recently released from a sentence for being concerned in the supply of drugs.”

McCluskey had been berated by the sheriff during an earlier hearing for “yawning ostentatiously” in court and he began yesterday by apologising for his behaviour.

Solicitor Ross Bennett, defending, said: “The day before the incident he had gone to a christening.

“He had been drinking and taking cocaine with his partner. An argument developed at 6 or 7am. It was fairly inconsequential but got quite heated. He was told to leave the house.

“He left but had forgotten his keys so went back.

“She threw the keys and some of his belongings out the window and he drove home.”

At the earlier hearing fiscal depute Stewart Duncan told the court: “At 9.20am a member of the public saw a silver Audi parked. They saw that the accused appeared disorientated.

“They knocked on the window to ask if he was okay and the accused drove off.

“They contacted the police. Other officers on patrol became aware of the vehicle accelerating harshly.

“Due to concerns about the manner of driving, the details were circulated.

“He stopped near the Asda car park.”

McCluskey was asked if he was under the influence and told officers: “No, I’m fine.”

A wrap of white powder and a small knife were clearly visible in the car and he was arrested.

McCluskey admitted driving under the influence of drugs in various Dundee streets on November 23 2020.

He also admitted having a lock knife and cocaine in the car when he was stopped by police in the Derwent Avenue shortly before 10am.

Mr Bennett said: “He was taking cocaine at the time. He says that is in the past.

“He realises it got him into quite major trouble.”

Drew McCluskey had taken cocaine and drunk alcohol at a christening the night before he was caught behind the wheel of his silver Audi.