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Driver caught on cocaine and cannabis gives false name - but can't spell it

A drug-driver from Wolverhampton gave a false name to police after causing a high-speed smash on the M6 – but then struggled to spell it.

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Thomas Jones

Suspicious officers found Thomas Jones had taken cocaine and cannabis when they arrested him after the crash near Carlisle, Cumbria, on February 10.

The city’s crown court heard an electrician was driving his work van at between 65 and 75mph in early evening darkness.

“He was suddenly struck to the right side of his vehicle by a silver BMW driven by Mr Jones, the defendant,” said prosecutor Gerard Rogerson.

The van careered into the central reservation, smashed into a barrier and then rebounded into the vehicle 23-year-old Jones was driving.

The BMW stopped 50 metres up the motorway, but when the victim saw Jones and a passenger unloading items from the car he contacted police.

“Mr Jones identified himself to police as Anthony Macaulay. They were suspicious because it took him several attempts to spell his own name, and he was arrested,” said Mr Rogerson.

A drug wipe test proved positive. Jones was found to have cocaine and cannabis in his system.

His aggression towards officers was such that it was almost 12 hours before they were able to establish his correct identity.

The other motorist was left injured, later needed physiotherapy. He estimated Jones had been travelling at 'something like 100mph'.

Jones, of Wolverhampton, admitted perverting the course of justice, three counts of driving with the proportion of a specified drug above the limit and three other offences. These were careless driving, driving without due care and attention and no insurance.

His barrister, Kim Whittlestone, spoke of personal difficulties and debts, and the fact he has been 'heavily addicted' to substances.

But Miss Whittlestone said Jones now worked for a plastering business and was drug-free.

Judge James Adkin handing Jones an immediate eight-month jail term. He must serve a 12-month driving ban when released.