Teen driver involved in collision was 10 times over the ketamine limit

A teenager was caught driving at Tog Hill Picnic Area near Bath while 10 times over the threshold limit for ketamine.

Ellie Stephens appeared at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27th July to admit drug-driving, possession of ketamine and assaulting two police officers who were arresting her by kicking them.

The court heard that she had collided with another vehicle in the car park. The other driver said Stephens was struggling to stand and her speech was slurred.

The police were called and when they arrived, they also believed Stephens was under the influence, noting that she had white powder around her nostrils.

A small bag of white powder was found on the back seat which turned out to be 0.2g of ketamine.

Subsequent tests found the level of ketamine in Stephens’ blood was more than 200 micrograms per litre of blood. The legal limit for driving is 20.

The events happened on 3rd January. In March Stephens was convicted of another offence of drug-driving as well as an offence of battery and an assault on a police officer and was given a community order.

The court heard that 19-year-old Stephens has been clean of drugs since March and has moved to Crumlin in Newport from Bristol to make a fresh start.

Bath magistrates revoked the community order and resentenced Stephens to a new one that will last for 24 months and include drug rehabilitation for nine months. She must also complete up to 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days.

She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £114 court surcharge.

Magistrates ordered the ketamine be forfeited and destroyed.

Rise in ketamine use

There has been a substantial increase in overall ketamine use in the UK over the last decade, especially involving younger people.

Ketamine is an anaesthetic drug used on humans and animals. On the street is often sold as a grainy white or brown crystalline powder.

A class B drug, it is illegal to buy or sell but is low cost, often cheaper than cocaine or alcohol,

It is mostly snorted when in powder form and gives euphoria, increased energy and stimulation. However, there are many risks associated with taking it. They include:

• Increased heart rate and shortness of breath
• Drowsiness, loss of coordination, short-term memory loss, visual difficulties, and hearing loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Significant bladder issues which may need surgery to repair
• Kidney and liver failure
• Significant effects on mental health including depression, anxiety, visual hallucinations and psychosis.