Drug user was caught driving in a stolen car

JON MACPHERSON

ADRUG user who was caught driving a stolen car dangerously has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Wayne Anthony Ramsbottom, of Bacup Road, Waterfoot, was driving a Hyundai I10 on despite having no licence or insurance and drove dangerously on Whalley Range in Blackburn on April 27 this year.

Defence barrister Patrick Williamson told Preston Crown Court that PTSD sufferer Ramsbottom was in debt to a ‘ third party’ and asked to ‘ transport the vehicle from A to B’.

Mr Williamson initially told the court under instruction from the defendant that the debt was ‘not related to drugs’ and that instead he owed money to a ‘ loan shark’.

However when prosecutor Chloe Fordham checked Ramsbottom’s interview with police he told officers that it was to do with drugs.

After a short adjournment, Mr Williamson said: “He accepts this was in relation to a drugs debt.

“He seems to be seeking to address the drugs habit that’s linked to this offending and one he’s had for some time.”

The court was told that one week after the incident he was ‘kidnapped by members of the same group’ and ‘ bundled into a car’.

Miss Fordham confirmed that a kidnapping incident involving Ramsbottom was reported to police on May 4.

She told the court that he was seen to be ‘bundled into a car’ and that the unknown offenders ‘ threatened to slash his throat’ and kill him because the defendant didn’t have money they were owed.

The court heard that Ramsbottom was ‘not physically harmed but received numerous threats’.

Miss Fordham said: “Police have not been able to locate anyone responsible.”

Ramsbottom, 52, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance and no licence and handling stolen goods.

He was given a 34-week jail sentence, which was suspended for 15 months with a two-month curfew between 6pm and 6am, a six- month drug rehabilitation activity requirement and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

At an earlier hearing, Judge Graham Knowles QC told Ramsbottom: “You are not going to help yourself with any more lies.

“It will get you absolutely nowhere by lying to probation or through counsel. You need to face up to reality.” ●● Staff at Tesco Haslingden hand over the money raises for charity A CHRISTMAS Dinner Dance will raise money for the Rossendale Hospice.

The fundraiser will include a five-course meal and live entertainment from Elvis tribute act Jim Santana & The Midnight Vegas Band.

It will be held on Saturday, December 15 from 7.30pm to 1am at The Riverside, Whitworth Civic Hall, on Market Street.

Tickets are £35 and can be booked by contacting Jimmy Eaton on 07907 595933.