A Birmingham driver has been fined and banned from driving after he ran a red light while under the influence of cannabis. Daanish Iqbal, 29, of Croydon Road, Erdington, was spotted by police ignoring traffic signals on Islington Row at around 3am on January 14.
Police stop and roadside test
Officers activated blue lights and sirens to stop the motorist. Roadside tests revealed Iqbal had cannabis in his system, with further custody tests showing 5.1mcgs of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood. He pleaded guilty to driving with a controlled drug above the specified limit.
Court hearing and defence
Dudley Magistrates' Court heard on July 30 that Iqbal had been at a party where friends 'smoked socially'. His defence solicitor Mr Hanif said: "He doesn't drink and doesn't usually smoke, but on this occasion he did." The magistrate told Iqbal: "We have been very lenient on this as it is your first offence. You are of previous good character, there is no previous history to take into consideration."
Penalty and disqualification
Iqbal was fined £400 and must pay a £160 surcharge plus £85 court costs. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months. The case highlights the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs, even for first-time offenders.
