A man has appeared before Welshpool magistrates on drug driving charges after he was caught by police driving with eight times the legal limit for cocaine in his system.
Officers pulled the 38-year-old over in Abermule on June 10 at around 10.30am as he stopped to get a drink at a local post office while on his way to a meeting.
Prosecutor Helen Tench told the court: “PC Taylor was on duty and followed the defendant’s vehicle, an Audi A3, which was being driven on the B4386 at Abermule,” said prosecutor Helen Tench.
“He was stopped by the post office and PC Taylor spoke to the defendant, who he suspected was under the influence.”
A subsequent evidential test found the defendant to have 403mcg benzoylecgonine – the by-product of cocaine – in his system. The legal limit for drug driving is 50mcg.
Mitigating, Paul Inns said his client had no previous relevant convictions.
“He was on his way to a meeting and called in at the shop for a drink,” said Mr Inns.
“There was nothing untoward regarding the manner of his driving, but he failed the roadside procedure. He concedes he used cocaine the night before, but he is not a habitual user. He didn’t appreciate the drug would remain in his system for so long.
“He has a good job, hopefully he will retain it, although there is no guarantee as it does involve travel around the area.”
After pleading guilty to drug driving, the man was banned from the roads for 12 months, fined £633 and must pay £85 costs and a £63 surcharge.
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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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