AN ELECTRONICS student was shocked to discover cannabis was still in his system after he was stopped by police for drug driving more than a day after he had smoked the drug.

Dylan Joachim Hughes, who had a previously clean record, pleaded guilty to a charge of drug driving when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 25.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said the offence occurred on June 10 in Llandrindod.

“Police stopped defendant at around 8.50pm on Western Promenade driving towards Princes Avenue,” said Mr Davies.

“There was a smell of cannabis and the defendant’s eyes appeared glazed. A saliva swipe proved positive and he was arrested.”

Mr Davies said a blood reading later confirmed the proportion of cannabis in the 20-year-old’s system to be 9.2 micrograms – the legal limit is 2mcg.

Owain Jones, acting for the defendant, of Dulas Dell, Garth, said: “He doesn’t dispute the allegation. He’s a student studying electronics at Ammanford College and works part time as a PA.

“There are no aggravating features and he was shocked at the reading as he hadn’t smoked cannabis for 30 hours prior to the offence which is why there was a delay in guilty plea, until he had facts before him. He has sent a letter of apology to the court.”

Chair of the bench, Ingrid Gallagher, said: “It’s sad you’ve lost your good character and now have a criminal record.”

Magistrates fined Hughes £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.