Cheshire Woman Banned from Driving for Drug Offences
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Cheshire Woman Banned from Driving for Drug Offences
- Cheryl Gerrard, 42, from Ellesmere Port, pleaded guilty to three counts of drug driving after being stopped by police in May.
- She received a 12-month community order, including 10 rehabilitation activity days and 60 hours of unpaid work, and was disqualified from driving for 17 months.
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A 42-year-old woman from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, was banned from driving for 17 months after being found guilty of drug driving offences. Cheryl Gerrard appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 11, and pleaded guilty to three counts of driving a vehicle with a specified controlled drug above the legal limit.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 16, when police stopped Gerrard’s blue Jaguar SUV on Woodfield Road North after receiving information about a driver who appeared to be under the influence. A roadside test indicated positive results for cannabis and cocaine. Subsequent blood tests revealed 2.1 micrograms of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabidol (THC) per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 2 micrograms. The sample also showed 65 micrograms of cocaine (limit 10 micrograms) and 400 micrograms of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine breakdown product (limit 50 micrograms).
Gerrard stated in court that she had consumed cocaine and cannabis the night before at a friend’s birthday party. She attributed her actions to a period of distress following multiple bereavements, including her father and pet dog. Gerrard expressed remorse and shame, noting she had no prior convictions.
The court imposed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 rehabilitation activity days and 60 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge of £114. Magistrates emphasized the danger of drug driving, with Chair Roy Barron stating that Gerrard was “putting other people at risk.” In the UK, drug driving convictions carry penalties including a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record.