A banned driver who was on licence from prison has been given a chance to keep his freedom after he was caught behind the wheel while high on cocaine. Peter Rodden was disqualified from driving for four years in 2021 but wasn't allowed to get his licence back until he'd sat an extended test, which he never did.
A court heard that the 54-year-old was subsequently locked up for 40 months for separate offences in 2024 but was released in March 2025. However, Rodden, formerly of West Denton, in Newcastle, but now of Hareydene, in Newbiggin Hall, has failed once again to stay out of trouble after he decided to get behind the wheel having taken cocaine.
Rodden has now been given a chance to stay out of jail after the Probation Service confirmed he'd been doing well on his post-sentence supervision. Rodden pleaded guilty to driving while over the specified drug limit, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance when he appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Georgia Smith, prosecuting, said police were travelling along Scotswood Road, in Newcastle, on December 22 last year when they spotted Rodden travelling in a Renault Megane. Miss Smith added: "The vehicle was expected to be involved in criminality. The vehicle was stopped and the defendant identified. Checks found that he was a disqualified driver until an extended test had been passed. While speaking to him, officers noticed his pupils were dilated and he appeared drowsy."
Jonathan Cousins, defending, said Rodden had a history of drug misuse but had worked with the Probation Service since his release from prison last year. Mr Cousins added: "There has been some positive progress in recent times and the Probation Service are willing to continue working with him."
Giving Rodden a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, District Judge Paul Currer said: "You were driving while over the prescribed limit and you shouldn't have been driving at all. You presented a danger to yourself and other road users. You were released from custody recently but you have been complying with the conditions of your licence."
Rodden was also banned from the roads for a further three years.
