91mph drug-driver on his way to take dog for a walk

A speeder clocked at 91mph en route to taking his dog for a walk has been banned from driving for four years.

Dean Alexander McGrath was also found to be drug-driving on the A47 Tilney All Saints bypass.

It was the 31-year-old’s third drink or drug-driving offence in seven years, triggering a minimum three-year disqualification.

Lynn Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday that he was stopped by police carrying out speed checks on the 70mph stretch of dual carriageway on May 2.

He failed a roadside drug wipe and was arrested. A later test showed 3.3 micrograms of a cannabis metabolite per litre of blood; the specified limit is two.

McGrath, of Wedgwood Drive, Wisbech, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and speeding.

Solicitor Ruth Johnson said in mitigation that the defendant had used cannabis the night before the incident.

“He was in his car on his way to taking the dog for a walk in the first period of lockdown,” she added. “He hadn’t appreciated that the cannabis would still be in his system.”

The court was told that McGrath, a forklift driver for a transport company, would probably lose his job as a result of the conviction.

“He’s desperately upset and disappointed with himself that he has come back before the court,” said Miss Johnson.

As well as the disqualification, McGrath was fined £332 and ordered to pay £105 costs an £34 victim surcharge. There was no separate penalty for the speeding offence but his licence will be endorsed.