Drum and Bass blamed by driver for ‘intoxicating effects’

A motorist caught driving erratically explained to a court he was ‘under the influence’ – of Drum and Bass music.

Delivery driver Aaron Cogley, 25, claimed he was ‘high’ on the ‘intoxicating effects’ of his favourite tunes – which made him swerve across the road.

He was spotted by police taking a sharp turn and then running two sets of red lights, Bristol Crown Court was told.

Cogley then ‘cut up’ another motorist and rounded a corner so sharply the whole van rocked on its chassis.

Officers pulled him over but he passed a drink and drugs test. When asked why he was driving erratically he blamed the drum and bass.

Cogley, of Portishead, Bristol, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and his defence team argued he had been ‘intoxicated’ by the music.

David Miller, defending, said: “It was stupid. He was carried away because of the intoxicating effects of drum and bass music.”

Despite his claims, he was given 80 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for 12 months, ordered to pass an extended driving test and given a a £60 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence, Recorder Mr Kevin De Haan QC described drum and bass as “Intoxicating for some. Very irritating for others.”