Reading Magistrates' Court: Greenham drug-driver injured cyclist

A DRUGGED driver who collided with a pedal cyclist, causing his victim injury, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Cameron Spence had taken cannabis and cocaine when he injured bicyclist Derek McKenzie.

To make matters worse, Reading magistrates heard on Monday, May 10, the 31-year-old, of Greenham Close, Greenham, was not paying attention and did not even have a valid licence.

Mr Spence admitted driving a Mercedes Sprinter van without due care and attention; driving when the amount of cocaine and cannabis in his system – a Class A- and Class B-controlled drug respectively – exceeded the specified limit and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

All the offences were committed on Hambridge Road, Newbury, on June 4, 2019.

Mr Spence initially denied the charges relating to his licence and careless driving, but subsequently changed his mind and admitted both those offences too.

He was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

In addition, Mr Spence was ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid community work and to pay £500 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £115.

Finally, he was banned from driving for three years.