Driver with drugs nearly hit policeman

SUSPECTED drink driver Brian Moore almost collided with a police sergeant who tried to stop him driving through Soham High Street – and when arrested he was in possession of cocaine. A police car s blue flashing lights and sirens were used when Moore was

SUSPECTED drink driver Brian Moore almost collided with a police sergeant who tried to stop him driving through Soham High Street - and when arrested he was in possession of cocaine.

A police car's blue flashing lights and sirens were used when Moore was followed, but he failed to stop until he reached his home in Guntons Close.

"When he got out of his car officers could tell he had been drinking," prosecutor Richard Insall told Ely magistrates on Thursday.

"They had to hold him up to stop him falling over, and he was unable to understand what they were saying. He was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred, but he refused to give a breath sample."

Moore, 34, of Guntons Close, Soham, had admitted possessing cocaine on May 11, failing to stop for the police, failing to provide a breath test, and driving without insurance or a licence.

Mr Insall told the court that Sgt Nigel Leadbeater had tried to stop Moore, believing he was speeding in a Rover 414. The car did not stop, and the officer had to step away to avoid being run over. Moore had bought the cocaine for £40 from a man in Newmarket.

The magistrates gave Moore a 12-month community order, he will be supervised by the probation service and must undertake 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was banned from driving for three years and the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drug.