Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre have heard how a man suffering from anxiety during the pandemic due to a lack of work resorted to drug use, which in turn resulted in his drug driving arrest.
Prosecuting, Zaine Riaz told the court that police were patrolling at around 1.30am on January 9 when they spotted the defendant’s car.
“There was some suspicion in the way it was being driven. It was suspected he may be driving under the influence,” he said.
“They spoke to him and noticed a strong smell of cannabis. He gave a positive roadside drugs test for cannabis and cocaine.
“He was arrested. A sample was taken. He gave a reading of seven for cannabis – the legal limit is two; his reading for cocaine was 32, the legal limit is 10; and his reading for BZE, the breakdown of cocaine, was 800, the legal limit is 50.”
Mitigating, James Hulse said his client spent most of 2020 and part of 2021 without work and on a limited income.
“He had time on his hands with nothing to do. He suffers with anxiety. He lapsed into drug misuse and that carried on for a relatively significant period of time.
“The manner of his driving was fine. He was driving well over the drug-drive limit. As a result of the charges, he had to leave his employment. It is a blessing to him. He never enjoyed working in the hospitality industry.”
Mr Hulse also added that his client has now come off his medication for anxiety and is now in a much better place mentally.
After pleading guilty to drug driving, magistrates imposed a fine of £240 plus £135 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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