Drug and drink driver

A motorist admitted committing separate drug and drink driving offences over an eight-month period.

Jo s e p h B a ke r, 2 1 , o f Bernard Street, Houghton, has pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving on April 25 last year.

North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told that one of the substances found following blood tests was cocaine.

Baker also admitted drink driving in Houghton, on December 18 last year and to driving while disqualified on the same date.

He was banned from d r iv i n g fo r th re e yea r s and received a 14-week jail term, which was suspended for 18 months.

Baker must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid wo rk a s pa rt o f a c o mmunity order, complete a 19-day Thinking Skills rehabilitation programme and pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.