Powys mum loses driving licence after crashing with cocaine

Bobby-Leigh Reed, 32, was involved in a two-vehicle collision on the road between Caersws and Llanwnog shortly after 2pm on December 17, 2025.

Officers attended the scene and found Reed, who was driving a Ford Focus, to be "very distressed" with a poor recollection of what had happened.

A roadside breath test was negative, but a drug swipe tested positive for cocaine, leading to her arrest.

Blood tests later showed 26 micrograms of cocaine in her system, as well as benzoylecgonine - a breakdown product of cocaine - at levels exceeding 480 micrograms. Both were above the legal limits.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court, where the case was heard. (Image: Google Street View)

Reed, of Erw Deg, Llanerfyl, pleaded guilty to both offences when she appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on June 23.

In mitigation, the court was told Reed had been living with her partner at the time. It was said she had felt pressured to take cocaine within the relationship.

Her solicitor, Brendan Reedy, said Reed is now a single mother caring for three children with significant additional needs.

The court also heard she suffers from long-term mental health issues.

Mr Reedy said: "The effects of a disqualification will be very significant for her.

"Where she lives, public transport is virtually non-existent."

He added: "Her mum said she doesn’t look like the same person and is extremely upset and worried.

"She really is on the edge."

Magistrates said they were sympathetic to her circumstances but stressed disqualification was mandatory.

Reed was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge, totalling £197.

She was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Chair of the bench Anthony Jackson said: "We are sympathetic to what is going on in your life right now. It can’t be easy for you.

"Goodness knows what has been going on in your head, but it looks like you have a supportive mum.

"We as a bench hope it is all resolved successfully for you."