A drug dealer has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after he recorded himself driving at speeds reaching 119mph while he was already disqualified from driving. John Scott, aged 36 and residing in Spinney Drive, East Harling, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, where he received a sentence of three years and nine months. He had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cannabis, and dangerous driving, as confirmed by Norfolk Constabulary.
Footage released by the police shows Scott filming his speedometer as it climbed to 119mph while he accelerated along a single carriageway country road on 7 December. Loud music can be heard playing in the background. In another video clip, Scott recorded himself singing, smoking, and driving while wearing sunglasses and no shirt. Both videos were captured while Scott was still subject to a five-year driving ban that had been imposed on him previously.
Investigating officer Pc Charlie Large commented: "John Scott showed a total disregard for the safety of others, both through his involvement in drug supply and his dangerous driving. We know drugs cause real harm within our communities, destroying lives and fuelling further criminality. We are committed to tackling those like Scott who choose to profit from this misery." He added: "Furthermore, Scott’s repeated use of his mobile phone while driving, combined with the excessive speeds he filmed himself reaching, is astounding. It is remarkable that no-one was hurt."
Scott was arrested on 12 December by officers who recognised him as a wanted individual in connection with drug offences. His phone was seized and found to have been used to facilitate the supply of cocaine in the Breckland area. Police also discovered several videos that Scott had recorded while driving dangerously. The video from 7 December showed him reaching speeds of up to 104mph while driving from Thetford to Diss along the A1066, before turning onto the country road where he hit 119mph. A separate film of him singing at the camera was taken while driving near the village of Banham on 16 June.
Pc Large concluded: "I hope today’s sentence serves as a deterrent to anyone considering becoming involved in drug supply or engaging in such reckless behaviour behind the wheel on Norfolk’s roads."
