'Massive wake up call' for drug driver, 22, who used cannabis to help him sleep
Offender “very embarrassed and ashamed of his actions,” court hears.
A motorist who used cannabis “to help him sleep” has had “a massive wake up call” after being caught driving under the influence.
Daniel Hunter, aged 22, drove a silver BMW 3 Series on the Brassey Road, off Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury on April 13 this year.
Telford Magistrates Court was told that Hunter was stopped by police at around 10pm due to the manner of his driving.
A roadside drug swipe was conducted and Hunter tested positive for cannabis.
Hunter was arrested and taken to custody at Malinsgate police station in Telford.
A blood test was conducted and it was found Hunter had 4.3 micrograms of Delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, per 100 millilitres of blood in his system. The legal limit, accounting for the possibility of accidental exposure, is 2mcg.
Hunter, of Lime Close, Ellesmere, pleaded guilty to driving with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified legal limit.
Abbie Neuchterlien, mitigating, said: “At the time of the offence, he was smoking cannabis to help him sleep.
“This has been a massive wake up call and he hasn’t smoked since.”
She added that Hunter was told he would lose his job as an HGV mechanic over this, but should be able to get it back once he has a licence again.
“He’s very embarrassed and ashamed of his actions,” added Ms Neuchterlien.
Magistrates banned Hunter from driving for 12 months and fined him £200.
Hunter was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge, bringing his total legal costs to £365.