A driver who pleaded guilty to driving whilst under the influence of cannabis and cocaine has been banned from driving after appearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.
66-year-old Andrew Dilk of South Bank Road, East Cowes was stopped by a Police officer whilst driving his Toyota Yaris on Brading Road, Ryde on the 17th March.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, told the court that Dilk was stopped by the officer who had intelligence that the defendant was a ‘heavy’ cannabis user. The court also heard that there had been no evidence of bad driving, but a smell of cannabis was noted emanating from the vehicle.
Upon approaching, the officer became aware of an ‘overwhelming’ smell of cannabis which led him to find the drug in the centre console of the vehicle. Dilk – who has a previous drug-related conviction – admitted that he had used the drug the night before.
A drugs wipe was then undertaken with indications of cannabis and cocaine in Dilk’s system, prompting the officer to arrest him.
For Dilk, James Cameron told the court that the defendant accepted he was over the legal limit for cannabis although he was surprised by the level of cocaine in his system. Mr Cameron told Magistrates that the former construction labourer and rubber factory employee used cannabis to control the pain associated with his osteoarthritis – with the drug being the only thing that can adequately manage the pain.
Dilk was handed a 15-month driving disqualification and a £200 fine. He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £34 surcharge.
