A YOUNG Powys man has been fined and given points on his licence after he admitted careless driving.
Billy Griffiths, from Knighton, had originally been charged with driving while unfit through drugs when he originally appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court last month.
However, after his case initially was adjourned, he returned to court this week, where he pleaded guilty to the alternate charge.
Griffiths, 24, was pulled over by police on July 12 in Knighton, while driving a red Peugeot 106.
Prosecutor James Ashton told magistrates on Tuesday, November 5, that the drugs charge was to be withdrawn and replaced with careless driving.
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“Police stopped the defendant as he was seen pulling out of a junction and driving in excess of the speed limit,” said Mr Ashton.
“The defendant admitted to being a drug user, having previously used cocaine. A drug swipe was positive for cocaine and cannabis.
“Trace amounts of cocaine, cannabis and a psychedelic were found in his system at the station.”
Mr Ashton said Griffiths was previously convicted of drug driving in November 2020, for which he received a ban. He added that the offence was aggravated by him having two passengers in the vehicle.
Owain Jones, defending Griffiths, of Victoria Road, Knighton, said: “I’d like to thank the prosecution for withdrawing the original charge. The new charge fits the bill.
“My client readily accepts he’s guilty of that offence. He has a clean licence, despite the previous conviction.
“I would ask you not to consider a disqualification and impose points as he lives in a rural area and is a mechanic by trade.
“He handed in his notice on the last occasion at the prospect of losing his licence, so he is hoping to reapply for that job.
“He has addressed his drug use and I have advised him about Kaleidoscope (drug and alcohol charity).
“He is sorry for the way he was driving and he assures me he has learnt his lesson.”
Magistrates imposed six points on Griffiths’ licence. They also fined him £80 and told him to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.
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