Sunderland motorist admits separate drug and drink driving offences

A motorist has admitted committing separate drug and drink driving offences over an eight-month period.
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Joseph Baker, 21, of Bernard Street, Houghton, has pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving in a Vauxhall Corsa on the B1284, Fence Houses, on April 25 last year.

North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told that one of the substances found following blood tests was cocaine.

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Baker also admitted drink driving in Wallace Street, Houghton, in the same vehicle on December 18 last year and to driving while disqualified on the same date.

Joseph Baker has admitted separate charges of drug driving and drink driving.Joseph Baker has admitted separate charges of drug driving and drink driving.
Joseph Baker has admitted separate charges of drug driving and drink driving.

He was banned from driving for three years and received a 14-week jail term, which was suspended for 18 months, after the court was told there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.

Baker must also carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as part of a community order, complete a 19-day Thinking Skills rehabilitation programme and pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

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