A Swindon driver who got behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs — and without the legal right to be there in the first place — has been banned from driving for four years.
Emre Buldum, 24, of Toothill, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 8 April, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to a string of offences.
The charges included drug driving, possession of a Class A drug, and driving without both a licence and insurance — a combination police described as particularly serious.
The case stems from an incident on Fleming Way last September, when officers from Wiltshire Police stopped a BMW X4. Buldum, who was behind the wheel, was only able to produce a provisional licence.
Officers reported the smell of cannabis from the vehicle, and a roadside drugs test confirmed the presence of both cannabis and cocaine. Further analysis later showed he was three times over the legal drug drive limit.
In court, Buldum was handed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside the four-year driving ban. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay costs and a surcharge.
Acting Deputy Specials Chief Officer Ben Williamson said the case demonstrated a “complete disregard for the law”, highlighting the risks posed not just to the driver but to others on the road.
Police continue to stress that drug driving remains a priority area for enforcement, particularly where it overlaps with other offences such as uninsured or unlicensed driving.
For now, the outcome removes one more unsafe driver from the roads — at least for the foreseeable future.
