Richard Smith, 50, a self-employed tree surgeon from Millgate Close, Stourport-Upon-Severn, has been banned from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to drug driving at Birmingham Magistrates' Court. The ban follows an incident on April 4 when police caught him smoking a cannabis joint while driving on Green Lane, Handsworth.
Claims of Mistaken Identity
Smith claimed he believed the joint was a regular cigarette when a passenger handed it to him. However, a subsequent blood test revealed he had 2.5 micrograms of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood, exceeding the legal limit of 2 micrograms. He pleaded guilty to the offence at the hearing this week.
In addition to the driving ban, Smith was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs. The DVLA had already suspended his licence for several weeks prior to the court hearing after being notified of his arrest.
Remorse and Impact on Livelihood
In a letter read to the court, Smith expressed deep remorse. He stated: "I'm deeply sorry for my actions. I was not someone who used cannabis through the day and throughout my work." He explained that he had previously used cannabis to aid with sleep problems but insisted he never used it during the day or while working.
Smith told the court: "Since my arrest in April, I have not used cannabis at all." His solicitor highlighted that the driving ban would have a "particularly significant impact" on Smith, effectively ending his tree surgery business for the duration of the ban. The court also noted that Smith had "very limited previous convictions."
Legal Consequences
Magistrates imposed the mandatory 12-month disqualification for drug driving, along with the financial penalty. The case serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of drug driving laws in the West Midlands, where police routinely conduct roadside tests for cannabis and other substances.
