Coked-up Scots driver caught behind wheel at sixteen times the legal drug limit

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A coked-up driver was caught behind the wheel of his car at sixteen times the legal drug limit.Jamie Mallinson was pulled over by cops as he drove his Seat Ibiza in Bilston, Midlothian.Officers found the 34-year-old was “immediately argumentative and constantly talking” and he was drug tested.A later blood test showed he had 800 microgrammes of a cocaine derivative in his bloodstream when the limit is 50mg.Mallinson appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday and pled guilty to drug driving.Fiscal depute Clare Green said police on mobile patrol signalled Mallinson’s vehicle to stop on Moorfoot View at around 3.30pm.Ms Green said the driver was argumentative with cops and wouldn’t stop talking, leading to a roadside drug test being administered.Mallinson tested positive for cocaine, the court heard, and was taken to St Leonards police station in the capital.An analysis found he had 800mg of benzoylecgonine per litre of blood when the limit was 50mg per litre.Benzoylecgonine is a substance made when the body breaks down cocaine.Defence agent Gordon Stewart said Mallinson, who is currently unemployed, had held a driving licence for 17 years.Mr Stewart said Mallinson had “voluntarily surrendered” his licence for medical reasons, adding his client underwent a back operation earlier this year.The solicitor said he was aware the court would likely call for background reports due to the “high reading”.Mallinson was arrested on the charge after being pulled over on October 13 last year.Sheriff Ian Anderson deferred sentence on Mallinson, of Penicuik, Midlothian, until next month for reports. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.