Prison worker's career ruined having driven 24 hours after having cannabis joint

A prison worker has destroyed his own career after being caught at the wheel under the influence of drugs, a court heard.
Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' CourtWigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court
Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court

Wigan magistrates were told Patrick Duffy drove a Citroen DS3 on the East Lancs Road while unfit to do so.

Other news: Shop could be prohibited from selling alcohol to combat anti-social behaviourThe court heard police were called to a crash at the road’s junction with Newton Road on April 20. Martin Jones, defending, said the 40-year-old, of Knowsley Avenue, Golborne, was involved in a collision with another vehicle driven by someone who then tried to get away from the scene.

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And the consequences for Duffy will be severe due to his work’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug-taking.

The hearing was told Duffy had been at a pub with friends 24 hours before the crash and ventured outside to get cigarettes after a drinking session. He was given something he thought just contained nicotine but was found to be cannabis.

Mr Jones said: “He accepts he had drunk rather more than he usually does and ended up smoking this cannabis cigarette. Twenty-four hours later this occurs. It has had a disastrous effect on him.

"He works as a prison custody officer and there are random drug tests. He is going to lose his job and he has lost his good character and name.

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“He bitterly regrets his stupidity. He believes he has been the victim of a slice of bad luck but he accepts by his plea that he is guilty as charged.”

Duffy was fined £384 and must pay £123 in costs and surcharge and hit with a 12-month road ban.