An Eden man exposed as a drug-driver after a spot check showed a number of faults with his BMW has been given a 12-month motoring ban.
Charles Parkinson, 37, was brought to court after his offending came to light on April 3 this year.
At just after 7pm, Parkinson was behind the wheel of a BMW 330Ci in Penrith, where there was a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency checkpoint.
“On examination a number of faults were identified,” prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court.
The BMW was deemed to be in a dangerous condition. “While taking to officers, the defendant admitted to using recreational drugs,” said Mr Shelley.
A drug wipe test proved positive for cocaine, and an evidential sample provided by Parkinson showed the level of a class A drug metabolite in his bloodstream was above the legal driving limit.
Lawyer Mark Shepherd gave mitigation after Parkinson, of Sandy Cottage, Melmerby, admitted a drug-drive charge.
“He had celebrated a friend’s birthday,” said Mr Shepherd. “He co-operated fully with the police at the time.”
The drug-taking had been a rare thing, Mr Shepherd saying of the defendant: “It is not something he is habitually taking or addicted to in any sense.”
The BMW had since been scrapped. And Parkinson was currently faced with financial pressures as he sought to deal with the aftermath of a family bereavement, and looming travel difficulties due to the mandatory ban he would receive.
“The loss of his licence may lead to the loss of his employment,” Mr Shepherd told the court.
Parkinson was fined £500 by District Judge John Temperley, was ordered to pay costs and must serve a 12-month driving disqualification.
