A MOTHER who took cocaine for the very first time following a difficult period has been handed a road ban after she was seen driving erratically by police.
Accountant Jennie Louise Spraggon, 37, was stopped by police in Llandrindod Wells on October 12 last year due to the manner of her driving.
She provided a roadside drug test, which proved to be positive for benzoylecgonine – the chemical derivative of cocaine – and she was arrested.
Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard this week she had an 11-year-old child with her in the car at the time.
Spraggon, of Dolyfan, Newbridge-on-Wye, pleaded guilty to drug driving when she appeared in court on Wednesday, March 15.
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Prosecutor Stepehen Davies said Spraggon was stopped after her BMW was seen by police driving in the Temple Drive area of the spa town.
“It was around 7.30pm when PC Lloyd saw a BMW being driven erratically and at speed,” said Mr Davies.
“The officer stopped the driver, who was the defendant. There was another occupant, aged 11, in the vehicle. A drug wipe was positive for cocaine and she was arrested.”
Mr Davies said Spraggon had no previous convictions. The sample the defendant provided showed there to be 181 micrograms of benzoylecgonine (BZE) in her blood – the legal limit is 50 micrograms.
Representing the defendant, Gareth Walters described the incident as the “biggest regret” of his client’s life.
“The drug is the chemical derivative of cocaine when it breaks down,” said Mr Walters.
“She had taken cocaine the day before. It was the first and only time she has taken it. She had been going through a difficult time; it was the first time she had left home in months since having a baby.
“She met an old acquaintance; they had some cocaine and suggested taking some cocaine would help her.
“It is the biggest regret of her life. She hasn’t spoken to them since and probably never will. She had an 11-year-old in the car; social services have visited and have closed the file on her.”
Spraggon was disqualified from driving for 12 months. She was also fined £550 and ordered to pay a £220 surcharge and £85 costs.
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