Wanted Newcastle man who refused to give blood sample for drug testing is snared
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA wanted Newcastle man who refused to give a sample for drug testing after he'd been detained for allegedly trying to get into vehicles has been caught.
Scott Lockey spent 16 days evading police after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month following his failure to show up for court. The 35-year-old was tracked down on Wednesday and appeared in the dock in custody less than 24 hours later, claiming he hadn't shown for his original date as he'd "been ill".
Newcastle Magistrates' Court was told that, having being arrested for suspected vehicle interference on September 24 this year, Lockey refused to give a blood sample for drugs testing. Prosecutors said it was a deliberate refusal with no valid reason given.
Lockey, of Westgate Road, in Newcastle City Centre, has now been fined after he pleaded guilty to being a detainee who refused to provide a sample for class A drug testing and failing to surrender to custody. Gurjot Kaur, prosecuting, said Lockey was arrested on September 24.
She added: "He failed to give a drugs sample while in police custody. He was suspected of a trigger offence that would result in the drugs procedure taking place. He deliberately refused to provide a sample.
"The defendant has nine convictions on his record for 12 offences, the last conviction being in July this year for also failing to surrender to custody."
Alanna Wesencraft, defending, said Lockey had been "confused" about the consequences of not providing the sample. She added: "Mr Lockey was unable to come to court on the last occasion due to illness but he accepts he didn't surrender as soon as practicable."
Lockey was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
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