A Wigton dog breeder was exposed as a drug-driver after police clocked him travelling at almost 100mph on the M6.
Officers were carrying out speed checks on the southbound carriageway close to Junction 39 near Shap, on March 13, when they saw a BMW 3 series being driven by 26-year-old Tyler Richardson.
The speed of Richardson’s vehicle was recorded at 97mph. There were no other reported concerns about the manner of his driving, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today.
A drug wipe test showed the presence of cannabis. And when a further sample was analysed it revealed that the level of the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis (THC) in Richardson’s bloodstream was over the legal limit.
Richardson, of Union Street, Wigton, admitted drug-driving and was said to be a man of previous good character.
Lauren Heasley, defending, told the court he had thought the drug would be out of his system when he drove as it was more than 12 hours since he consumed it while socialising with friends.
“He seeks to make no excuses to the court,” said Ms Heasley. “He breeds and shows dogs around the country. If that is to continue he will have to reply upon the goodwill of friends, thus putting other people to inconvenience.”
Richardson had been employed at Kingstown in Carlisle since leaving school. While he had been assured he would keep his job, the logistics of travelling to work for a 6am start were still to be arranged.
He was handed a 12-month driving ban and must pay a £500 fine and court costs. “This is going to be an expensive trip out,” Richardson was told by lead magistrate Jeff Forster.
