Driver was 10 times over ketamine limit when he crashed his Audi

A driver was 10 times over the ketamine limit when he crashed his Audi A3 car in Bath.

Ross Buchanan, 23, appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 2nd September to admit drug-driving.

Prosecutor Paul Kelly said police had responded to a call in the early hours of 21st February after a vehicle had collided with street furniture at Sydney Place.

Buchanan failed a roadside drug swipe and was taken to hospital, where he was considered fit to give a blood sample.

Even though ketamine is an illegal drug, there is a specified limit for drivers of 20 micrograms per litre of blood. Buchanan’s reading was 200 micrograms.

He also had alcohol in his system but not over the legal limit.

Mr Kelly said that Buchanan had no previous motoring offences although in July 2022 he had received a suspended prison sentence for an offence of grievous bodily harm.

Buchanan, of Academy Close in Melksham, was represented in court by Ruth Tily as duty solicitor.

She told magistrates that at the time of the drug-driving offence, he had been at a “low ebb” due to family circumstances.

She said he is “very remorseful” and is now in a better frame of mind. He will be able to keep his job as a binman as he does not have to drive the lorry.

Before sentencing Buchanan, the magistrates also asked for input from a probation officer who said he recognised drug-driving had been “stupid and irresponsible” and showed regret. She said he would be suitable to complete unpaid work in the community.

Magistrates banned Buchanan from the road for 30 months and imposed a 12-month community order under which he must complete 140 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a court surcharge of £114.