Drug-fuelled Sheffield driver caught with cocaine in his system

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on August 26 how Harrison Cartledge, aged 22, of Stanwood Avenue, Stannington, Sheffield, was pursued by police in Hillsborough before he stopped in his car and failed a drug-swipe test.

Emily King, prosecuting, said police signalled for Cartledge to stop and he failed a drug-swipe test after officers suspected he was under the influence of drugs on Findon Crescent, near Wisewood.

Cartledge, who has no previous convictions, admitted exceeding the drug-drive limit for cocaine and the cocaine derivative benzoylecgonine. He also admitted driving without insurance after the incident in November.

The defendant apologised and said it was a mistake because he had not been in the right frame of mind.

Magistrates fined Cartledge £250 and ordered him to pay £85 costs, a £32 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.