A Worcestershire tree surgeon has been banned from driving for 12 months after being caught smoking a cannabis joint while behind the wheel in Birmingham.
Incident Details
Richard Smith, 50, from Stourport-Upon-Severn, was spotted by police taking a drag on what he believed was a cigarette while driving his Ford Transit along Green Lane, Handsworth on April 4. A blood test later confirmed he was over the legal limit for THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Smith pleaded guilty to drug driving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court this week. He was also fined £120 plus costs. The DVLA had already suspended his licence for several weeks before the court hearing.
Court Proceedings
In a letter read to the court, Smith expressed his remorse, saying: "I'm deeply sorry for my actions. I was not someone who used cannabis through the day and throughout my work."
The self-employed tree surgeon explained he had previously used cannabis to help with sleep problems but insisted he would never use it during daytime or while working. He told the court: "Since my arrest in April, I have not used cannabis at all."
Impact on Business
His solicitor said Smith had accepted the cigarette from a passenger, not knowing it contained cannabis. The driving ban will effectively end his tree surgery business for the time being as he cannot operate without a licence.
