A coked-up paramedic who was fired after crashing an ambulance whilst on a 999 call has been spared a jail sentence.
Colin Steward, 54, was behind the wheel when the emergency vehicle – which had its blue lights flashing – crashed on the A34 in Burnage, Manchester, on August 28 last year.
Drugs tests after the collision revealed Steward had almost five times the legal amount of benzoylecgonine, a compound produced when cocaine breaks down, in his system.
Steward has avoided spending time behind bars due to his ‘exemplary’ record and his life-saving during his career.
Three people were treated in hospital after the crash.
In each litre of blood, Steward had 240mcg of benzoylecgonine. The legal limit is 50mcg.
Steward admitted drug driving and appeared before Manchester JPs for sentence.
Chair of the bench, Brendon Hart, said in ‘normal circumstances’ he would be jailed.
Sparing him, he said: ‘You have served the community and probably saved a number of lives.
A coked-up paramedic who was sacked after crashing an ambulance on a 999 call has been spared a jail sentence (stock image)
Colin Steward, 54, was behind the wheel when the emergency vehicle – which had its blue lights flashing – crashed on the A34 in Burnage, Manchester, on August 28 last year (stock image)
Drugs tests after the collision revealed Steward had almost five times the legal amount of benzoylecgonine, a compound produced when cocaine breaks down, in his system (stock image)
‘Whatever the reason that caused your spiral downwards it is no excuse.’
Steward, from Altrincham, Gtr Manchester, was given a 18-month community order, including 100 hours’ unpaid work, plus a 28-month drive ban.
North West Ambulance Service said Steward’s conduct was ‘completely unacceptable’.
A spokesman added: ‘He no longer works for the organisation.’
It is understood Steward was sacked and is now unemployed.
