Meth motorist returns

Cody Nicholas Watson fronted Albury Local Court on Monday on his eighth charge of illicit drug-driving in two years.

His record flabbergasted magistrate Imad Abdul-Karim, who told the 24-year-old he had “a terrible history” for driving with methamphetamine in his system.

Mr Abdul-Karim, shaking his head, repeated the observation another two times.

But after Watson claimed he had put using the drug behind him immediately after his most recent arrest, Mr Abdul-Karim gave him time to produce the proof.

Watson told the court he had been receiving treatment for mental health issues, though not drug dependency, but was unable to provide the court with any documentary evidence.

He was given until October 22 to get this so it can be provided to the court for his sentencing.

Watson told Mr Abdul-Karim the most recent incident, on April 29, was “the kick in the arse I needed” and showed he had “changed from being a child to growing up and being a man”.

The repeat drug-driving, he said, stemmed from constantly “falling into the wrong scene. I realise it’s not want I want to do and where I want to be.”

Watson, who pleaded guilty to a second offence of driving with an illicit drug present in blood, was stopped by police in Waugh Road, North Albury, about 1.30am for a random breath test.

This was negative, but a drug test revealed methamphetamine.

This was confirmed after he was taken to a police drug testing bus in Wodonga Place.

While Watson reasoned he was affected by methamphetamine, police said “he didn’t care”.