Lancaster drug driver took ketamine at gathering after grandmother's death

Aaron Kieran McNally, 27, of Barrs Meadow, Bentham, Lancaster, was behind the wheel of an Audi Quattro stopped by police on Caton Road, Lancaster, at 1am on January 23.

The father-of-three had ketamine and benzoylecgonine in his body and admits drug driving.

Prosecutors told Preston Magistrates’ Court there was “no evidence of bad driving” but police had stopped him “on a hunch”.

The vehicle in question, a courtesy car on a 2019 plate, was found to be properly in his possession and he gave police his correct details.

But McNally, a tree surgeon, then gave a saliva test which led to his arrest.

His defence lawyer said: “ A few days earlier his grandma had died. “This incident took place a day after a meeting of family members where they had a celebration of her life and he accepted drugs were taken during the course of that meeting.

“He says he hadn’t taken any in the previous 24 hours.”

The bench imposed a 23 month ban and consolidated his fine with an existing debt, meaning he has to pay a £1,195 at £100 a month.

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