Lancashire court listings - Monday, April 16, 2018

Motorist admits drug drive charge

A motorist who was caught driving while under the influence of drugs has been banned from driving.

George Albert Eastham was stopped in his Ford Focus on Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston on December 22 last year.

During a hearing before Preston Magistrates’ Court the 21-year-old driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of a cannabis substance.

The court was told the proportion of a controlled drug in his blood exceeded the legal limit.

Eastham, who gave his address as Calder Avenue, Fulwood, Preston also admitted a charge of possessing a class B drug on December 22.

The defendant was ordered to pay fines totalling £200, as well as a £30 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £85.

The bench also disqualified the defendant from driving for the next 12 months.

Benefit claimant appears in court

A benefit cheat failed to declare he was living with his partner, a court has heard.

Gary Watkinson, of Spendmore Lane, Coppull, admitted dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefit, and failing to notify a change of circumstances to the authorities.

The charges relate to the 65-year-old’s failure to notify Chorley Council he was living with a woman, who he subsequently married and who was in a paid job.

The offences took place during a period between August 2015 and March 2016, affecting his claim for housing benefit.

The defendant appeared before Preston Magistrates’ Court.

The bench imposed a curfew.

He must pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Court news

Wayne Burton, 50, of Holme Slack Lane, Preston, admits being drunk and disorderly in the Royal Preston Hospital and must pay a £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Anthony John Pape, 29, of Dodgson Road, Preston, must do 100 hours unpaid work after admitting stealing £200 from Hothersall Lodge in Longridge and must pay £200 compensation and costs of £85.

John Buckley, 25, of Regent Leisure Park, Morecambe, was found guilty of failing to have a valid rail ticket and must pay a £220 fine, £7.80 compensation, a £30 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Thomas Hartley, 21, of Franklands Drive, Ribbleton, Preston, was banned for 12 months after admitting drink driving and must pay a £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Damien Andrew Williams, 36, of St Paul’s Road, Preston, was discharged for 12 months and given a £120 fine after admitting possessing 65 phenazepam tablets and failing to surrender to bail.

Thomas Cummings, 28, of Shakespeare Terrace, Chorley, was banned for 12 months after admitting drink driving and must pay a £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Michael Miller, 25, of Pall Mall, Chorley, was found guilty of failing to have a valid rail ticket and must pay a £220 fine, £5.70 compensation, a £30 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Peter Manuel Hull, 29, of Avenham Lane, Preston, was given a 26 week jail term suspended for a year and banned for five years after admitting drink driving and must pay a £120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Amy Pemberton, 22, of Milner Street, Deepdale, Preston, was found guilty of failing to have a valid rail ticket after travelling further than paid for, and must pay a £220 fine, £5 compensation, a £30 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Stuart Horn, 31, of Raglan Street, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, was given a 22 month ban after admitting drink driving and driving without due care and attention, and must pay a £280 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.