A Ryde man has been handed a 12-month driving disqualification after his erratic driving led to a drug-drive arrest.
24-year-old Killeyan Butler, of Oak Vale in Oakfield, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) and drug driving (cannabis) when he appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday.
Butler was stopped by Police at Scotchells Brook Lane in Lake on 19th February this year after officers caught sight of his erratic driving. They also noted a brake light was out on the grey VW Golf.
As officers approached the car they could smell cannabis, which resulted in a roadside drugs wipe being conducted. Butler failed. A search also located a small amount of cannabis – £10 worth.
The court heard that Police had to use CS gas to subdue Butler, who was taken to the ground and cuffed. He was initially arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker but the charge was dropped when the officer’s body worn video was reviewed.
Defending, Michael McGoldrick said that his client suffers from fibromyalgia and consumes cannabis to ease the pain. Mr McGoldrick explained to the court that his client had a joint 7-8 hours prior to being caught and felt fine to drive. Details of borderline personality disorder and depression were also given.
Magistrates handed Killeyan Butler a 12-month driving ban, fined him £80 and ordered him to pay £50 costs with a £34 surcharge.
