Dodgy drivers Nathan James Lockwood and Merrina Ann Kidd front court day after region’s top cop issues warning

Two South East drivers caught travelling under the influence have fronted court the day after the region’s top cop slammed residents for driving dangerously on local roads.

After the region’s top cop slammed ‘idiot’ drivers for putting lives at risk, two Mount Gambier residents have fronted court on separate drink and drug driving charges.

Following a shocking series of fatal motor accidents in the South East, Officer in charge of the Limestone Coast, Superintendent Campbell Hill said it was infuriating drivers continued to flout the rules.

Nathan James Lockwood, 34, and Merrina Ann Kidd, 55, fronted the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on separate driving offences.

Nathan James Lockwood has lost his licence after he was caught drug driving with cannabis in his system. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Merrina Ann Kidd has lost her licence after blowing more than double the legal limit. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Lockwood pleaded guilty to drive a motor vehicle with cannabis in oral fluid, while Kidd entered a guilty plea for drive with excess blood alcohol.

Kidd pulled over on June 3 while driving along North Terrace just before midnight, a court has heard.

Checks revealed Kidd had a blood-alcohol content of 0.129, more than double the legal limit.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos highlighted the region has had a spate of road fatalities, warning the Mount Gambier woman of dangers of drink driving.

“We are unfortunately seeing a lot of tragedy on the road,” Ms Kossiavelos said.

Lockwood who was caught drug driving on May 28 and appeared unrepresented, had his hope of leaving court without a mandatory licence disqualification dashed.

Lockwood owns MT Water delivering large water bottles and casks to local offices and business, a court has heard.

“It’s going to be very hard — I reckon (this) will wreck me now,” Lockwood said.

Ms Kossiavelos said she could give him some time to “get his affairs in order” before imposing a mandatory licence disqualification.

“It’s mandatory — I’ve got no discretion,” she said.

“You might need to get a young driver to help you out because you won't be able to drive.”

Officer in charge of the Limestone Coast, Superintendent Campbell Hill. Picture: Arj Ganesan

At a press conference on Monday following the eighth fatal road crash of the year Supt Hill slammed “idiots” who drink or drug drive.

Supt Hill said people who drink and drug drove or pulled burnouts had the potential to kill “themselves or (someone innocent)”.

Supt Hill would not comment on whether stronger action needed to be taken against drivers who flouted the road rules.

The Mount Gambier residents both received the minimum fine of $900 and a minimum six-month licence disqualification.