A chef was caught drug-driving through a Northumberland town while delivering Christmas presents to his child on Boxing Day. Francesco Cammarano, who has worked as a cook for restaurants and cafes along the North Northumberland coast, was stopped by police for traveling too fast in Alnwick.
Police Noticed Dilated Pupils
Officers observed that Cammarano's pupils appeared dilated and conducted a roadside drugs swipe, which tested positive for cocaine. The 32-year-old was arrested and later gave a reading of 220 micrograms of BZE, a breakdown product of cocaine, per liter of blood, far exceeding the legal limit of 50 micrograms.
Court Proceedings
Cammarano, of Main Street, Seahouses, pleaded guilty to driving while over the specified drug limit and driving without insurance. He was banned from driving for 18 months, fined £320, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.
Prosecutor Jade Houston told South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court that police saw Cammarano's VW Up traveling above the speed limit on Boxing Day last year. When pulled over, he appeared nervous with dilated pupils and admitted he had no insurance.
Defense Statement
Defense lawyer Steve Chambers said Cammarano, originally from Italy, chose to live in the UK because of his child. He formerly worked as a chef but could no longer work due to visa issues after Brexit. Chambers added: "There's nothing untoward about the standard of his driving. Mr. Cammarano was not under the influence of active drugs at the time. On Christmas Eve, he attended a party and took cocaine. He was taking Christmas presents to his child on Boxing Day when he was pulled over."
Cammarano has no previous convictions.
