A DRUG driver has received a lengthy road ban after being convicted of the offence for the second time.

Gary Suff, 34, was handed a three-year ban from driving by Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.

Suff, of Bryn View, Tregynon, near Newtown, was stopped by police driving a white Ford Transit van in the Garthowen area of Newtown days after Christmas last year, and found to have cocaine in his system.

Suff pleaded guilty to drug driving at court on Tuesday, June 11. Prosecutor Helen Tench said: “PC Bufton saw the defendant driving the vehicle on December 29 and, after observing him commit a moving traffic offence, he was stopped.

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“A breath test was negative but a drug swipe proved positive for cocaine. He has a relevant conviction from 2016.”

Mrs Tench said the amount of Benzoylecgonine (BZE), a compound of cocaine, in Suff’s blood was 58 micrograms – the legal limit is 50 micrograms.

Gurleen Kaur, representing Suff, said her client accepted he was over the limit, but for BZE, rather than pure cocaine.

“There were no obvious signs of impairment, his driving was not inadequate, he was going straight over at a roundabout,” said Ms Kaur.

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“This is unfortunate as it triggers a mandatory longer ban as the last offence was committed eight years ago. I’d ask for the lowest ban possible as he was just over the limit.

“He has handed in a letter from his employer; he is a supervisor and his position in the company is crucial, and being able to drive is important to him continuing his employment.

“It has been discussed with the company and he will be able to get lifts etc, but he anticipates his income reducing and his career progression stalling.”

Magistrates also fined Suff £350 and told him to pay a £140 surcharge and £85 costs.