A motorist was caught by police driving twice the drink drive limit whilst in possession of cocaine.

Milo Patel, of Berks Hill, Chorleywood, had been driving along Church Street in Rickmansworth on April 29, 2021, when he caught the attention of officers.

The 23-year-old had parked up behind a Premier Inn Hotel after police caught up to him – and upon speaking to the defendant officers smelt alcohol, St Albans Magistrates’ Court heard.

It was then that Patel admitted having three or four pints.

And following a search officers found a small wrap of white powder, which they believed to be cocaine.

Patel was arrested and taken to a police station, where he recorded 81mg in 100ml of breath – the legal limit is 35mg.

Further tests revealed that the white powder had been cocaine.

Patel pleaded guilty to consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit and being in possession of cocaine, a class A drug.

In mitigation, the court heard that Patel takes his father to regular hospital check-ups and works in a restaurant, where he is said to be a “valued member” who goes “above and beyond”.

The court was told that he would also do a drink driving course.

Patel was disqualified from driving for 20 months and has been ordered to pay £580 in fines and costs.

An order was also made for the destruction of the drugs.

A fundamental principle of justice is that it must be seen to be done. It is established in the UK that court cases should be heard in public. This principle of open justice is acclaimed on a number of grounds – as a safeguard against judicial error, as a deterrent to perjury, to assist the deterrent function of criminal trials and to permit the revelation of matters of public interest.