A Hartlepool man has appeared in court for drug driving after he was caught for the offence just three weeks after receiving a ban for drink driving.
The 31-year-old was banned from the roads after appearing in court for drink driving last July, but police caught him driving while under the influence of cannabis at the end of that month.
After they took him into custody that evening, he admitted smoking the drug.
Prosecuting, Aland Davison told Teeside Magistrates: “A saliva sample was positive for cannabis. Checks on the police computer system revealed he was disqualified.
“The disqualification was three weeks before this incident.”
Further analysis found the man to be over the legal drug driving limit.
Defending, Colin Sleeman said that his client was working at a garage. He went with a friend to look at a car they intended to buy, repair, and sell on. The car developed a problem with the gearbox as they were driving and he managed to pull over, at a crawl, to stop safely.
Character references for the man described him as decent and caring, and who comes from a close, law-abiding family. He is the main carer for his and his partner’s two young children.
Mr Sleeman added that the car only travelled a short distance and “There was no associated bad driving of the vehicle”.
Responding, District Judge Timothy Capstick said: “He shouldn’t have driven at all, particularly when he’s under the influence of cannabis.”
Addressing the defendant, he said: “I treat the explanation as to why you were driving with a great deal of scepticism.
“I think you just choose to drive when you want to.
“You have come within a hair’s breadth of going to custody today.”
After hearing the man’s guilty plea to drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, and driving without insurance, Judge Capstick sentenced him to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must undertake 160 hours of community service and pay £213 in costs and surcharges.
He was also banned from driving for four years.
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.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
