Cannabis-fuelled driver given two-months to stay out of jail

Joshua McLeod was given a suspended sentence in January 2021 when he led police on a cannabis-fuelled, high-speed chase through Wroughton and Swindon.

He went through red lights, the wrong way around roundabouts and hit speeds of 80 miles per hour in a 40 zone.

McLeod was warned last January that if he failed to comply with community requirements attached to the 10-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, the presumption was he would go to prison.

Josh McLeod outside Swindon Crown Court on a previous occasion (Image: Newsquest)

But he was hauled into the dock at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday (September 8) for his second breach of the order.

Prosecutor Ed Wylde told the court that the 21-year-old failed to attend office appointments on two occasions in June.

“Probation were informed that Mr McLeod was unwell, he was warned and told to provide evidence,” Mr Wylde said, but he failed to provide any.

McLeod’s engagement at appointments was described by a probation officer as “superficial” and at times showing “wilful non-compliance”.

READ MORE: Driver who hit 80 in a 40 zone breached court order

Mr Wylde added that McLeod, of Beatrice Street, was found in possession of cannabis in Swindon on May 7.

He was fined by Swindon Magistrates’ Court last month, but the breach of the suspended sentence was notified to the Crown Court.

Representing McLeod, Sam Arif said: “The reason he’s in such difficulties is because he had severe mental health difficulties with anxiety and depression.

“He wasn’t medicated at the time, he took on support at the first breach when His Honour Judge Taylor allowed him to take on the mental health treatment requirement.”

Josh McLeod was given two months to comply with probation or face prison. Photo: Facebook. (Image: Facebook)

She highlighted family upheaval and said that her client has now “re-engaged” and is “making much, much better progress” with “stability”.

“Today, he presents as much more alert, engaged, and focused, and I appreciate this is the second time and just as you said in the last hearing, he has been given warnings.

“He has come prepared today with a bag, but unlike in the previous case he has made at least some effort to get back on track.”

Judge James Townsend decided to adjourn the case for two months, until November 3.

“If I were to be sentencing you today, I would be sending you to prison,” he warned McLeod.

“But because of what Ms Arif said on your behalf, I think there is at least a possibility you are turning a corner.

“I will remember you. If you do what probation says you must do for the next two months… if you fully comply and commit no further offences, I won’t send you to prison.

“If you fail to comply, it will be time to activate the suspended sentence.”