A man brought to court for drug-driving told magistrates he uses cannabis having undergone major surgery and amid walking difficulties.
Kevin George Bell, aged 64, committed his first ever offence at 10-30am on October 19 last year as he travelled in a Peugeot Partner van on the outskirts of Penrith.
A police officer on patrol became aware of the vehicle after receiving a report that the driver may have consumed cannabis.
In the area of the Kemplay Bank roundabout he spoke with Bell, who confirmed he had recently used cannabis. He was asked to take a roadside drug test which proved positive. “The officer described him as looking somewhat lethargic,” prosecutor Peter Kelly told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today (tues).
Bell gave a specimen of blood which was tested and showed he was just over the legal driving limit for the main psychoactive ingredient of class B controlled drug cannabis.
In court, Bell pleaded guilty to a drug-driving charge — resulting in his first criminal conviction. Asked whether he wished to say anything about the offence, Bell — who was not represented by a solicitor — replied: “No.”
When asked to comment on the impact a mandatory driving ban would have on him, he said: “The fact that I live in the country. I can hardly walk. I had major surgery which is why I was using cannabis in the first place.”
Bell, of Woodland Close, Hackthorpe, near Penrith, was fined £120 and also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £48 surcharge.
He was also told he must serve a 12-month driving ban, which starts immediately
