Motorist Pleads Guilty to Being 16 Times Over Drug-Driving Limit

Strategic Insights -

A driver has been charged for being 16 times over the drug-driving limit after police found him to be unfit to drive due to excessive levels of benzoylecgonine in his blood. Steven Bathgate, 35, was stopped by police on the A85 near Oban on August 22, 2024, and subsequently tested positive for illegal drugs. The roadside saliva test revealed significant amounts of benzoylecgonine, a key metabolite of cocaine, in his system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steven Bathgate, 35, pleaded guilty to being 16 times over the drug-driving limit on the A85 near Oban on August 22, 2024.
  • The roadside saliva test revealed that Bathgate had benzoylecgonine levels of 800mg per litre of blood, exceeding the threshold of 50mg.
  • A blood test at Oban Police Station confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in Bathgate's system.
  • Bathgate's lawyer, Jane MacNiven, stated that her client accepted the plea and would provide mitigating factors at a later hearing.
  • Sheriff Euan Cameron declared that Bathgate would be disqualified from driving and ordered a criminal justice social work report and restriction of liberty order assessment.
  • The case will be heard again in Oban Sheriff Court on June 11 to finalize the social work report and restriction order.

Statistics:

  • 800mg of benzoylecgonine per litre of blood: the amount found in Steven Bathgate's system.
  • 50mg: the threshold for benzoylecgonine in blood.
  • 16 times over the drug-driving limit: the multiple by which Bathgate exceeded the legal limit.

Sources:

  • "Steven Bathgate, 35 pleas guilty to being 16 times over the drug driving limit", BBC [1]
  • "Motorist pleads guilty to being 16 times over drug-driving limit", The Times [2]
  • "Oban Sheriff Court: Steven Bathgate charged with driving under influence", Scottish Daily Mail [3]