[A] LAKES drug-driver has been spared immediate prison sentence and given a “last chance”.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Tomaz Kuznik, 24, was stopped by police as he drove a Vauxhall Astra with a defective headlight in Windermere last July.
Officers detected a cannabis smell, Kuznik’s speech was slurred and he was slow when responding to questions.
A “drug wipe” revealed the presence of THC – an active ingredient of cannabis.
A blood sample was forensically analysed, and contained 5.6mg of THC per litre of blood – almost three times the 2mg limit. In addition, Kuznik’s sample contained amphetamine over the amount allowed.
He admitted driving with a controlled drug over the prescribed limit, and was sentenced today (FRI).
Recorder Philip Curran heard the defendant was given a suspended prison term, in December, 2016, for a cannabis supply crime.
But after considering a probation service report, Recorder Curran imposed a 12-month community order for the latest crime. Kuznik, of White Moss Court, Kendal, must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work and a 14-month driving ban.
Recorder Curran told Kuznik: “I have come to the view, just, that I am going to give you a further chance – but it really is your last chance.”