A DRIVER was on a mission to help a friend when he was caught behind the wheel after smoking cannabis, a court has heard.
Darren Michael Jones admitted drug-driving when he appeared before magistrates.
Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said Jones had been spotted driving a Nissan Micra in Centurion Way just after midnight on June 17.
Police stopped him for a document check, and he was arrested after failing a roadside drug test.
An evidential blood test showed he had 7 microgrammes of cannabis per litre of blood. The legal limit is two.
MORE COURT NEWS:
- Man threatened to stab victim in unprovoked attack
- Drug-driver was caught on one of Hereford's busiest roads
- Road rage former roofer tried to pull man out of a car
Chris Read, for Jones, said the 39-year-old had been caught in the middle of lockdown, when there were very few cars on the roads.
"He had been staying with a friend in Hereford and had smoked cannabis earlier that evening," Mr Read said.
"He was not planning to drive, but then got a phone call from a friend with mental health issues who asked him to come and see him. He agreed and was stopped, and the rest is history."
Jones, of Tower Hill, Droitwich, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel