Ban for drug driver who drove to Police Headquarters

27-year-old ends up in 'hot water' after doing 'good turn' for someone else

A Douglas man has been banned from the road after driving to Police Headquarters, under the influence of drugs, in order to help someone else.

Thomas Harry Reff-Butler, of Heather Crescent, attended Dukes Avenue - just before 8pm on 27 February - to act as an appropriate adult.

However when officers notified him he had outstanding fines he became fidgety and nervous – they became suspicious and, knowing he’d driven to them, carried out a drug wipe test.

It was positive for cocaine and further blood tests showed the 27-year-old was more than double the legal limit.  

Reff-Butler admitted the offence during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse with his advocate telling the court: "The defendant has set about trying to do a good turn for others and ended up in hot water."

Fining him £800, and ordering him to pay prosecution costs, High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said his reading was 'significantly' above the legal limit.

Reff-Butler will remain disqualified from driving until he’s taken and passed an extended test at the end of his ban.