A DRUG-fuelled groundworker left another driver with whiplash and concussion after he pulled into her path whilst driving a hatchback in Stratton.

Kyle James Moulton was behind the wheel of his Volkswagen Golf on September 3, 2021 despite having Benzoylecgonine – a breakdown product of cocaine – in his blood.

Moulton was driving along Hyde Road in Stratton at around 4.40pm when he pulled out on the innocent driver, prosecutor Kate Prince told Swindon Magistrates’ Court last week (April 27).

The 28-year-old had been waiting to turn right into Ridgeway Road, and took the turning without seeing the oncoming driver, driving into her path.

The woman had been on the way to sell her car, which was later written off. She was also taken to a GP with whiplash and likely concussion.

A blood test revealed Moulton had 568 micrograms of Benzoylecgonine per litre of blood – more than ten times the legal limit of 50.

Representing Moulton, of Bath Road, duty solicitor Jonathan Lewis said that he was of “hitherto good character”, at the “end of a fractious relationship” and “taking drugs to excess” at the time.

“He hadn’t consumed drugs that day but didn’t realise it stays in your blood for days afterwards.

“What you must take into consideration is the level of driving and there is a number of aggravating features,” he told magistrates.

“Damage is caused to another vehicle, injury is caused to another driver and from the papers Mr Moulton had passengers in his vehicle.

“That inevitably is going to increase the length of disqualification in what was for him a momentary lapse of judgement.”

But Mr Lewis said that his client himself sustained injuries in the crash, with witnesses saying he was referring to an injured wrist and was giggling, the effects of shock.

Moulton also wrote a letter of remorse to the court, and said that as long as he can get a lift to work he will be able to keep his job.

He pleaded guilty to drug driving at the first opportunity.

Sentencing, chairman of the bench Deborah Couzens said that the offence was aggravated by the crash in which the other driver was injured and he had passengers.

The bench banned him from the roads for 18 months, as well as issuing him with a £380 fine.

He must also pay costs of £85, and a £38 victim surcharge.