Cocaine-fuelled driver arrested while visiting Derbyshire on lockdown day trip

Police from Bakewell, Hathersage and White Peak villages SNT stopped a Mercedes after that saw it driving ‘a little quickly’ through Rowsley yesterday (Tuesday, February 9).

Officers found three males from Hyde on a ‘day trip’ to Derbyshire inside the car.

A spokesperson said: “Driver tested positive for cocaine, so arrested. Passengers left to sort a lift home and Covid legislation used.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Derbyshire Police have so far handed out around 900 fines for Covid-19 breaches.

‘They stick out like a sore thumb'- Derbyshire residents slam visitors to county despite lockdown as police report MORE Covid breaches

The force has been accused of a “heavy handed” approach to fines but many residents say they are concerned they are being put at risk by visitors coming into the county for non-essential reasons.

Under current COVID-19 restrictions the Government have told people they must stay at home unless they have a legally permitted reason to travel, including to other parts of the UK.

Jan Sheppard said: “I despair. Here we all are locked up at home not seeing a soul for months, not able to go anywhere other than to get food and these selfish people go out on a jolly.”

Stuart Colman said: “Use that road everyday for work and it’s quite scary to see we are sharing roads with morons like this.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.