A MOTORIST stopped by police in Powys with cocaine in his system has described his arrest as the “kick I needed”.

Damien Blowhm, who had a previously clean record prior to his stop in May, told Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 31, that he had used the offence to turn his life around.

Blowhm, 43, was stopped in Welshpool, on Salop Road, on May 7. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BZE), a compound of the Class A drug, was discovered in his system via a roadside drug swipe.

He admitted two counts of drug driving at this week’s hearing.

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Prosecutor Rebecca Kuipers said: “PC Cross was on duty and stopped a vehicle for a traffic offence. The officer requested a drug swipe and a breath test.

“The breath test came back negative but the drug swipe was positive.”

She said Blowhm, formerly of Bronybuckley, Welshpool, but now living at Bank Crescent, Shrewsbury, had no previous convictions.

Blowhm, driving a Ford Galaxy on the A458 at the time, had 240 micrograms of BZE in his system (the legal limit is 50) and 39 micrograms of cocaine (the legal limit is 10).

Representing himself, Blowhm, told the court: “I admit to everything. I am ashamed to be here before you.

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“I have since turned my life around. This was the kick I needed. I have stopped taking cocaine and I got a job that I have been successful in.

“It involves driving but they say they will try and stand by me as best they can. I am prepared to take any punishment coming my way. I am trying to take my life forward.”

Blowhm was banned from driving for 12 months. He will pay a £666 fine, as well as a £266 surcharge and £85 costs.