A FATHER from Llandrindod Wells has found himself out of work for the first time in his life after he was arrested for driving while under the influence of cocaine.
Magistrates heard this week how Mark William Hanson, 53, had “brought shame” on his family after being stopped while driving near the spa town on October 19 last year – he had three times the legal amount of the Class A drug in his system at the time.
Hanson, of Trefonnen Avenue, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug driving when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 15.
The defendant was driving a Renault Megane on the A4081 near Llanyre at around 9am on October 19, 2022, when he was pulled over by police.
“PC Lloyd was on patrol near Llandrindod Wells and observed a Renault Meganne travelling towards Newbridge, stopping the car in Llanyre,” said prosecutor Stephen Davies.
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“He was asked to provide a drug wipe, which proved positive for cocaine, and he was arrested.”
Mr Davies said Hanson had no previous convictions. The prosecutor added that the two charges relate to having both cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BZE) – a derivative of cocaine – in his system.
The level of cocaine in Hanson’s blood was 31 micrograms – the legal limit is 10 micrograms. The level of BZE in his system was 293 micrograms – the legal limit being 50mcgs.
Acting for Hanson, Andrew Isaac said his client had been addressing his cocaine use since his arrest.
“There doesn’t appear to be any aggravating factors, it was a simple stop check,” said Mr Isaac.
“He is thoroughly ashamed. He had managed recently to get himself back into employment. He was working on a digger, he found he needed a little extra boost to keep him awake.
“He has brought shame on his family; his daughter has asked him to take drug swipes so they know he’s drug free.
“He is now out of work; this is the only period he’s been out of work in his life. He has booked himself in with Kaleidoscope.”
Hanson was handed a 12-month driving ban and must also pay a £120 fine, as well as £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
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