Nicholas Wilson, 52, had denied a drug-driving charge in Caersws in July 2022 but was found guilty at his trial this week.
Wilson was disqualified from driving for more than two years at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 17. He had been convicted of the crime at his trial the previous day.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said Wilson had “appeared nervous” when he was stopped by police in Station Road, Caersws, on July 21, 2022, driving a Nissan Note.
“The defendant was observed by PC Chris Jones driving along the B4569 in Caersws at around 12.15pm, he turned right against a no head right turn so he was stopped,” he said Mrs. Tench.
“He was not wearing a seatbelt and his vehicle had a flat tire. The defendant appeared very nervous and a roadside drug test tested positive for cannabis.”
He said he was given a provisional driving ban following his sentencing on Monday.
The level of cannabis found in Wilson’s system had been 3.2 micrograms; the legal limit is 2 mcg. He had originally denied the offense in December last year.
Ms Tench said she had changed her plea to guilty for failing to wear a seat belt and operating a vehicle with an exposed tire cable.
Probation officer Jade Price told the court Wilson did not know it was illegal to drive under the influence of CBD oil.
Ms Price said Wilson had an extensive criminal record between 1987 and 2015, including driving while disqualified in 2015 and a previous drink driving offence.
“He said most of his previous crimes were committed when he was young or under the influence of alcohol,” said Price, who added that Wilson had not had a drink in 12 years.
Representing the defendant, of Wellington Terrace, Llanidloes, Matthew Davies said: “He takes cannabis for pain relief as he has severe mobility problems, including arthritis.”
Magistrates disqualified Wilson from driving for 28 months. He will also be subject to a 12-month community order, which includes completing 25 days of rehabilitation.
He will have to pay costs of £620, as well as a fine of £180 and a surcharge of £114. There were no separate penalties for the other two offences.
