Disqualified driver caught behind wheel with cocaine jailed

On May 9^th, PS Catterick was travelling along Pembroke Road in Salisbury when a vehicle drew his attention.

The vehicle, a grey Vauxhall Astra, was stopped and Norton Sparrow, 30, of no fixed abode, was identified as the driver.

Due to a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle and Sparrow’s evasiveness when questioned, he was detained and searched.

A quantity of cocaine was located and further enquiries established Sparrow had been disqualified from driving.

He was subsequently charged, however failed to attend court and a warrant was put out for his arrest.

He was then re-arrested and in a hearing at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (27/08), Sparrow pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and possession of Class A drugs.

He was jailed for 17 weeks and disqualified from driving for just under four years.

PS Catterick, based in Salisbury Response, said: “As a result of this proactive stop, we have taken a disqualified driver off the roads, and drugs off the street.

“Drug use and illegal driving present a significant danger to our communities.

“Sparrow made the decision to get behind the wheel whilst disqualified and in possession of Class A drugs, showing complete disregard for the law and public safety.

“This result demonstrates our commitment to proactively targeting those involved in drug-related offending and removing dangerous drivers from our roads.”