A mother was caught driving under the influence, nearly eight times over the drug-driving limit, with her four-year-old daughter in the backseat.

Lela Snape was apprehended for drug-driving twice within a span of just 48 hours. The first incident occurred on September 23 in Sandbach, where police stopped her Renault Clio and found that she tested positive for cocaine at almost eight times the legal limit.

During the traffic stop, police discovered Snape's young daughter in the backseat without a booster seat and not wearing a safety belt. The 28-year-old mother was released pending further enquiries but was caught again two days later while attempting to retrieve her car.

On September 25, the same officer, PC Price, stopped Snape again as she was driving the same vehicle on Electra Way, Crewe. This led to another positive drug test for cocaine.

In court, Snape claimed the offences were a 'mistake' and stated she had used cocaine feeling 'isolated'.

Prosecutor Louise Dempster outlined the incidents, detailing how on September 23, at around 6:40 PM, the police stopped Snape due to suspicions regarding the occupants of her vehicle. The adults present were two men and her daughter, who was not secured properly in the car.

Following the positive roadside drug test, Snape was arrested and taken to the East Cheshire custody facility for further procedures.

On September 25, when stopped again, police cited issues with the vehicle's MOT and conducted another drug wipe, which returned positive for cocaine. Although Snape had no prior convictions, her first offence was considered aggravated due to transporting a child.

Blood tests revealed Snape had 397 micrograms of benzoylecgonine (BZE) in her system during the first incident and 423mg during the second, significantly above the legal limit of 50mg.

Snape’s lawyer, Stuart Flood, stated: "This is a young lady who acknowledges she made a serious error of judgement, especially with a child in the car. She has recognized her struggles and has decided to stop using drugs." He mentioned that she had taken friends home when she was stopped by police and that the drugs were still in her system from days prior.

Flood continued, expressing concern over the safety of the child while driving and pointed out that Snape returned to recover her car after using drugs again. He emphasized that Snape is embarrassed and ashamed, but is determined to move on from this incident, mentioning her temporary return to live with her mother for support.

In conclusion, Snape, residing on Portland Walk in Macclesfield, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving and one count of not securing a child properly in the vehicle. She has been fined £240, banned from driving for 14 months, and ordered to pay £181 in costs and a surcharge.