Thinking a reckless driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, police in an English city pulled over a 25-year-old
man only to discover that we was "high on drum and bass" electronic music.
Aaron Cogley, a professional driver for a delivery service, reportedly drove his white Ford van through at least two red lights, sped on side streets, and made several sharp turns.
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Mark Hollier, the prosecutor on the case, said police told him Cogley nearly "cut up" a fellow motorist during the episode in Bristol.
Officers said music was blaring from the car's stereo. They proceeded to give him a breathalyzer test, and he reportedly blew a zero. Cogley showed no signs of drug use either, the Bristol Post reported.
"When asked about it, he said he was listening to drum and bass and was in a hurry," Hollier told the Bristol Post.
Drum and bass music is a type of electronic music characterized by fast beats and heavy bass.
Cogley, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, got his license revoked for 12 months and 80 hours of volunteer work. He will be required to pass an extended driving test before he is allowed back on the road. The 25-year-old also had to pay a £60 victim surcharge, though there were no reports of anyone getting injured as a result of his actions.
Cogley's attorney, David Miller, told reporters Cogley made an honest mistake.
"It was stupid. He was carried away because of the intoxicating effects of drum and bass music," Miller said, adding that there was no police chase and no one was injured.
Reacting to Cogley's claim that he was "intoxicated by drum and bass," Court Judicial Officer Kevin De Haan described the hypnotic club-like music as "intoxicating for some and very irritating for others."
"It's always serious, dangerous driving. Even if you only went up to 40 mph you were lucky that night," De Haan told Cogley in court. "You could have had an accident and been hurt, or worse you could have hurt someone else. Police thought you had taken something."
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