Kacper Dudzic faces consequences for drug driving but receives a second chance
Topics covered
A night shift worker from Oban, Kacper Dudzic, narrowly escaped spending a night in jail after he overslept and missed his court date. The 30-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to having 17mg of cannabis in his bloodstream, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 2mg per 100ml.
His case highlights the serious implications of drug driving and the importance of accountability in the legal system.
Background of the case
Dudzic was first arrested on April 5, 2024, after a police officer observed him driving and requested a drug test.
The roadside test returned a positive result for cannabis, leading to a blood test that confirmed the presence of the drug in his system. Despite his legal troubles, Dudzic had consistently attended all court hearings and meetings related to his criminal justice social work report.
Missed court appearance and its consequences
When Dudzic’s case was called in Oban Sheriff Court, he was absent, prompting Sheriff Euan Cameron to issue a warrant for his arrest. Dudzic later arrived at court, apologizing profusely and explaining that his night shift work had caused him to oversleep. Sheriff Cameron expressed his frustration, stating, “Everyone else has bothered to turn up.” However, after hearing Dudzic’s explanation, the sheriff decided to withdraw the warrant but warned him against taking chances in the future.
Legal repercussions and community impact
The procurator fiscal depute, Raeesa Ahmed, emphasized the seriousness of Dudzic’s actions, stating that drug driving poses a significant risk to public safety. Sheriff Cameron reiterated the potential consequences of such reckless behavior, noting that had Dudzic caused harm to someone while under the influence, he could have faced eight to nine years in prison. Instead, Dudzic received a one-year supervision order, was mandated to complete 120 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, and had his driving license revoked for 19 months.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with drug driving and the legal system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions. Dudzic’s situation, while unfortunate, underscores the importance of making responsible choices, particularly when it comes to driving under the influence of substances.
