A BUILTH Wells man received a “massive wake-up call” after he was pulled over by police for speeding and ended up with a drug driving ban.
Steven Price, 41, was stopped by police near Llanwrtyd Wells on Boxing Day, last year, due to the speed he was driving his grey Peugeot Partner van at.
But when police spoke to him they noticed a smell of cannabis and he was arrested after providing a positive roadside test.
Price, of Castle Street, Builth, admitted one charge of drug driving when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 12.
“The defendant was actually stopped for speeding,” said prosecutor Sian Vaughan.
OTHER NEWS:
- Powys man avoids immediate jail for violent attack on ex's stepfather
- Royal Welsh Show's horticulture section axed due to “extreme financial challenges”
- Driving ban for man caught speeding at 120mph on A483 near Welshpool
“When spoken to by the officers, they noticed a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. He was asked if he used it and he said he had ‘had a smoke’ an hour before.”
Price was stopped on the A483 the day after Christmas and an amount of four micrograms of cannabis was found to be in his system – the legal amount is two micrograms.
Paul Lewis, acting for the labourer, said: “He was a recreational user, but this was a massive wake-up call for him.
“Since this incident he has stopped smoking completely. He cooperated at the roadside. The law has shocked him into not taking the illegal substance. He says he is now thinking more clearly.”
Price was banned from driving for a year and must pay a £400 fine, as well as a £160 surcharge and £85 costs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here