A Ryde man who used cannabis to help with his back problems has been banned from the roads for 12 months after being caught drug driving.
Richard Stevenson, 47, of George Street in Ryde, pleaded guilty to drug driving and possession of a controlled drug of Class B when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday (10th October).
Lauren Stone, prosecuting, told the court that on 19th April 2023, at around 14:25, Police stopped a Ford Transit on Station Road in Wootton. Upon heading to the vehicle to speak to the driver, officers noticed a smell of cannabis.
When questioned, Stevenson admitted that he had smoked the Class B drug. This was confirmed during a roadside drug wipe.
A search was conducted in which a small amount of cannabis was found in Stevenson’s bag. A blood test conducted at Newport Police Station showed that the level of cannabis in Stevenson’s system was 10ug/l – the specified limit is 2ug/l.
In Police interview, the 47-year-old night shift worker stated that the drugs were for his personal use.
Defending, Michael McGoldrick said that this was Stevenson’s 1st criminal conviction and that he was using cannabis to aid bad back issues. He also added that since the incident, Stevenson hasn’t touched cannabis.
Magistrates handed Stevenson a 12-month driving ban. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £300, costs of £85 and a £120 surcharge fee.
I am fed up reading about all these drug crimes
that take place on the island everyday.
Bang the Numpty’s up and keep our roads safe.
There are no excuses for drink or drug driving!
Yes spot on Paul, and I would say its the 3D’s Don’t Drug Don’t Drink and Don’t Drive, Simple.
Bullshit if it was.tramadol it wiuld be ok but because its a herb with a tbousand uses its illegal
Its simple Dont drug Dont drive
Now he’ll most likely be losing his job and reliant on benefits, his prescriptions for back pain will be paid for by the taxpayers.
Or, they could legalise cannabis and he could grow it on his windowsill for free.
Ita already legal on prescription is it not?.
But if you smoke a spliff then drive a week later you are still under the influence.
apparently We have the lowest “specified limit” (2ug/l)
In Europe. Are you telling me thag everyone in Amsterdam are over the limit???
They drive alot better than us on the island
Anyone caught taking drugs need putting inside
Drugs affects lives.
It’s mental !! Beggars belief really…,
Where’s all the safety rules gone!? People work g with diarrhoea outing out of them, no card for the people they’re infecting. It’s a total free for all. Boris caused it all, flounting the rules. Nobody cares anymore