Bagillt drug-driver jailed for driving while banned

Mike Zakolski, of Bron Y Wern in Bagillt, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 28-year-old had admitted offences of drug driving, driving whilst banned and without insurance at a previous hearing.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that on October 21, 2021, the defendant received a 22 month ban for driving with excess alcohol.

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But on June 21 this year, prior to the ban lapsing, Zakolski was back behind the wheel in Bagillt High Street.

At around 4.15pm, police on duty had their attention drawn to a silver Volkswagen vehicle.

Officers believed the driver was trying to "avoid police contact" which prompted them to stop the vehicle.

The driver, Zakolski, was the only occupant and admitted from the outset that he didn't have a licence or insurance due to him being banned.

A saliva test proved positive for cannabis and in custody the defendant provided a sample which was found to have 2.2 microgrammes of the substance in a litre of blood; the limit being 2.

When interviewed, he said he knew driving had been "a risk" but said he was going to cash in money at the post office.

The court heard that money was to be sent to his grandmother in Poland, who is receiving end of life care.

Probation officer Pamela Roberts told the court: "He moved to the UK from Poland when he was 13.

"He has a long history of cannabis misuse - and tells me he spends £200 a month on the substance.

"He claims he uses it as an escape."

Ms Roberts said the defendant was "remorseful for his actions" but given the matters before the court did not represent his first breach of a driving ban, he'd "not taken on board the learning offered to him previously."

Mike Zakolski (North Wales Police) (Image: NWP)

Zakolski had purchased the car a month prior to the offence with the intent to "do it up and sell it on," she added.

Mike Pugh, defending, said his client was the primary breadwinner for his family, with him having turned his hobby of dog breeding into a business.

"It's not to excuse his behaviour but to give context," he explained, "on the date in question he was going to cash in that money and then go home.

"The purpose was to get the money to his gran in Poland - he tells me she is dependent on those contributions towards her care.

"He has sensibly now gotten rid of his vehicles and is under no illusions as to what may happen today."

Deborah McKinnel, Chair of the Magistrates, told Zakolski: "Driving whilst disqualified. That, sir, is not the first time you've done that.

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"There's a total lack of regard for the law.

"You purchased a car and went out onto the High Street at 4.15pm - you're very lucky no harm came to you or anyone else."

Zakolski was jailed for 12 weeks and must pay a £154 victim surcharge.
He was banned from driving for three years.

"Don't put yourself in this position again," Ms McKinnel told him.

"It stops now."