Sofa distributor banned after driving with seven times the cannabis limit
A SOFA delivery driver has been banned from the roads for 12 months after being caught driving through Pembroke Dock while seven times over the legal cannabis limit.
Dean Binks, 40, was stopped by police on London Road on February 2 during a routine check. Officers noted a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and carried out a roadside drugs wipe.
'There was a strong smell of cannabis inside the vehicle, and as a result of the driver's demeanour, a drugs wipe was carried out,' Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates.
Further blood analysis revealed Binks had 16 micrograms of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system. The legal limit is 2 micrograms.
Binks, of Pant Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to drug driving. He was represented by solicitor Fenn Richards, who told the court that her client had been a daily cannabis user but was now attempting to turn his life around.
'He's extremely remorseful for his actions and is now trying to make things better for himself,' she said.
Binks is employed as a distribution manager for Bespoke Sofa Wales, which involves driving across South Wales to deliver furniture. His conviction and disqualification are likely to have serious implications for his job.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month driving ban, fined him £300, and ordered him to pay a £120 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
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