Mercedes driver banned for four years after SEVEN drugs found in system
Andrew Barnes, 50, of Sandcove Rise in Seaview, appeared before IW Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 8, for sentencing, having previously admitted driving a vehicle while unfit through drugs.
Prosecutor Rhys Evans said police were called on November 12 last year after a company fitting tyres on a vehicle in Watery Lane, Newchurch, reported concerns about the driver, Barnes.
The firm had already replaced two tyres on the Mercedes A-Class earlier in the day, the court heard.
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Mr Evans said a police roadside DrugWipe test proved negative for cocaine and cannabis, but Barnes was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Magistrates were told that, at the police station, a urine sample revealed he was over the legal limit for morphine, codeine, EDDP (a methadone derivative), and other substances, including a breakdown product of heroin.
Mr Evans told the court Barnes had a 'poor criminal record for driving.'
Bridget O'Hagan, defending, said Barnes's mother had driven the car earlier that day, and he had only moved the vehicle about 100 yards up the road, but accepted he should have left it where it was.
Magistrates heard that the matter had been dealt with very 'tardily,' as although Barnes had been disqualified at the time of the offence, police ran out of time to charge him with that offence, leaving him to be sentenced only for drug driving.
Ms O'Hagan noted that two of the seven substances detected were prescription medications.
'He knows he messed up, and he wants to do whatever it takes to make it right,' she added.
Magistrates handed Barnes a four-year driving ban and an 18-month community order, which includes 20 rehabilitation days.
Barnes must also pay a £180 fine, a £114 surcharge, and £85 in costs.
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