21-year-old Joshua Andrew Nicholas Barnes has been banned from driving for 12 months after being caught behind the wheel of his car with cocaine in his system.
Barnes, of Church View Close in Cowes, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court today (Friday). charged with possession of cannabis and drug driving.
Magistrates heard how Police had received reports of a car smelling strongly of cannabis at the Cineworld car park in Newport on 31st December last year – New Year’s Eve. Police responded to the scene with a sniffer dog and discovered a bag of cannabis, resulting in a drugs wipe being carried out. The then 20-year-old had earlier been spotted driving his BMW 120D M Sport around Coppins Bridge by Police.
Oscar Vincent, defending, explained to the court that his client was surprised by the drug reading as he had not consumed drugs that day, but had been consuming cocaine over the festive period. The small amount of cannabis found on his possession was for personal use, Mr Vincent added.
The full-time painter and decorator is said to have remained out of trouble since December and is living a sensible lifestyle, starting a family with his partner.
Magistrates banned Joshua Barnes from driving for 12-months and issued no separate penalty for possession of a Class B drug. He was fined £166 and ordered to pay £85 costs with a £34 surcharge.
he has remained out of trouble since december !
oh well, that is ok then, does he want a medal – the very fact that they even have to mention that clearly shows the guy is nothing short of a persistent offender – the vast majority of society remain out of trouble for their entire lives.
stop pandering and making excuses for these deadbeats and bang em up.
The smell of cannabis is all over the island, if I was a policeman on foot and policing the town, I’d get quite a few. Its a big problem on the island which need sorting.
one guy walked out of co op in ryde the other day, with a large, unlit joint in his mouth – couldn’t care less who saw it – the police do not care – the writing is on the wall – legalisation is coming, just as in the USA
Don’t think so do don’t be over dramatic
yes he did – i was walking into the store as he walked out – I know exactly what a joint looks like
And why is legalisation a bad thing ? It would save lots of police time and taxpayers money while also creating more jobs and another taxable industry that could help the county’s economy recover from the pandemic.