Sunderland drug driver banned from roads and fined
A Sunderland motorist caught driving with two illegal drugs in his system bowed to the evidence after first denying his crime, a court heard.
Sigrsvard Ragnarrson, 35, pleaded not guilty to two counts of drug driving when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in December.
But after taking extra advice from his solicitor, Ragnarrson, of St Leonard Street, Hendon, changed his tune and pleaded guilty at his next appearance.
He admitted driving with class A cocaine and its breakdown product BZE in his system at levels over the legal limit on Friday, October 10.
Prosecutor Jade Houston said Ragnarrson was stopped by police acting on a tip off as he drove in Ashby Street, Hendon.
Ms Houston added: “Officers received information that the driver of a BMW could be under the influence of drugs.
“Officers pulled him over and he gave a positive drug swipe for cocaine. He was taken into custody.
“He has seven previous convictions from 12 offences. They are dissimilar matters, and he was last before a court in May 2016.”
Ragnarrson gave a reading for cocaine in blood of not less than 32mcg. The legal limit is 10mcg.
And his reading for BZE was not less than 278mcg, against a legal limit of 50mcg.
Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending, confirmed Ragnarrson had initially denied the allegations but had changed his pleas after a further conference with his legal team.
She said: “This was originally set down for trial, but he contacted us in the interim to say that he wanted to plead guilty.
“All evidence was agreed but I think Mr Ragnarrson benefitted from some time in conference and made his decision.
“I do ask for some credit for that plea. If you look at his antecedents, I don’t think this matter needs Probation.”
District Judge Zoe Passfield banned Ragnarrson from driving for 14 months and fined him £135, with £85 court costs and a £54 victim surcharge.
The judge told him: “I do give you some credit for the guilty pleas. I have reduced that because the plea is a little late.
“Do not drive while you are disqualified. If you do, you can expect an immediate prison sentence.”