Moment Driver Caught Snorting Cocaine Behind the Wheel of His Kia Before Leading Police on Cross-County Chase
By ED HOLT
Published: 14:48 EST, 2 December 2024 | Updated: 15:54 EST, 2 December 2024
Drunk and Drug-Addled Driver Led Police on a High-Speed Chase
A shocking video has captured the moment a driver was caught snorting cocaine behind the wheel of his car before leading police on a high-speed chase across the county.
Samuel Batters, 22, was caught on CCTV cameras in Cambridge at 3am on August 10, 2024, as he sat in the driver’s seat of a Kia Sportage with two other friends. The footage shows him snorting cocaine while in conversation with his friends before driving off.
Unbeknownst to Batters, the drug-taking took place in full view of city cameras, whose operators were watching. Police were contacted and found Batters’ Kia Sportage on Victoria Road, in the north of the city, but despite initially appearing to stop, he then sped off.
As police continued to follow the 22-year-old, he began colliding with several parked cars and fences before pulling over and attempting to flee on foot. He was eventually arrested a short time after.
The Chase
The surveillance footage shows Batters speeding away from police, running red lights and stop signs, and colliding with several parked cars and fences. At one point, he even tried to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by police.
The Consequences
Batters tested positive for cocaine and cannabis on a drug swipe and gave a roadside breath sample of 74, more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. In custody, he provided an evidential reading of 53 microgrammes.
At Cambridge Crown Court, Batters was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to stop after a road accident. He was also disqualified from driving for 22 months and given a three-month curfew to remain home between 8:30 pm and 7 am daily.
PC Shelley Cannon’s Verdict
"Batters showed total disregard for the safety of other road users, passengers, and potential pedestrians who might’ve been in the area at the time," said PC Shelley Cannon, from the Road Policing Unit. "His driving fell far below that expected of a competent and careful driver, which goes to show the effects alcohol and drugs have on a driver’s confidence and risk-taking behavior."
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug use and drunk driving. It is crucial that drivers are aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
FAQs
- What happened to the driver, Samuel Batters?
He was caught snorting cocaine behind the wheel of his car and led police on a high-speed chase across the county. - What were the consequences for Batters?
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for 22 months. - What were the charges against Batters?
He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to stop after a road accident. - What was the outcome of his driving test?
He tested positive for cocaine and cannabis and gave a roadside breath sample of 74, more than twice the legal limit. In custody, he provided an evidential reading of 53 microgrammes.
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