A roofer from Portsmouth who was caught drug driving by Police, who were lying in wait for him, has been fined over £1,300 and slapped with a 23-month driving ban.
Ricky Harms, of Moorland Road in Portsmouth, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday charged with 2 counts of drug driving, namely Benzoylecgonine and cannabis.
Liz Miller, prosecuting, explained to the bench that at 10:10 on 26th January, Police pulled over Harms as he travelled through Wootton.
An initial request for a breath sample was made, which returned a negative reading. Then, a drugs wipe was requested which indicated a positive result. Blood tests later confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine (BZE) and cannabis.
Defending, Barry Arnett explained to Magistrates that his client was well respected on the Island in his work as a self-employed roofer and cladding expert, who employs 2 people.
Mr Arnett said that Harms – a dad of 4 – is the sole breadwinner for his family and is a carer for his disabled partner. He explained that Harms has stopped drugs completely and only took drugs in the first place due to the stresses of life. Mr Arnett made a note that Harms had been out of trouble for some 13 years.
Addressing the bench directly, Harms said: “Sorry, I’ve learnt my lesson”.
Magistrates handed out a 23-month driving ban, and fined Ricky Harms £1,333 with £85 costs and a £533 surcharge.
At last a realistic punishment though the ban should have been far longer and coupled with an extended test, perhaps now the magistrates have got their act together they can hand out similar punishments to all drug and drink drivers.
He’d just not been caught in 13 years!! Bet he’s claiming as a ‘carer’ for his supposedly disabled wife, whose managed to push out and bring up 4 kids easily enough!!