A young Upper Eden man has lost his HGV licence after being caught drug-driving several days after taking cannabis.
George William Taylor (21), was the subject of a random stop by police as he drove a Ford Ranger 4×4 pick-up along the A66 near Brough.
But Carlisle Magist-rates’ Court heard how that stoppage, on 2nd May, led to the discovery of Taylor’s first criminal offence.
“An officer formed the opinion that Mr Taylor may have been under the influence of cannabis,” said prosecutor George Shelley, “as he could smell it emanating from the vehicle”.
A drug wipe test proved positive, leading to Taylor being detained and taken into custody. It was later discovered that the level of cannabis in his bloodstream exceeded the legal driving limit.
Taylor, of Mount View, Brough Sowerby, admitted a drug-driving offence for which the court was told he had already paid a heavy price.
Defence solicitor Ashley Barnes told district judge Timothy Gascoyne how Taylor, latterly a lorry driver, had since lost his HGV licence and was no longer working.
“I think he is reliant on the bank of mum and dad now,” said Mr Barnes. “He is expecting a disqualification and will be looking for a job as soon as possible.” Mr Barnes said there was “nothing at all” about Taylor’s driving which led to the police stoppage.
Taylor had been at a “farmers’ do” the previous Friday when cannabis was consumed. “He is not a regular user but joined in,” said the lawyer. “He didn’t for a minute think there would be any impairment on the Tuesday. He did not realise how long the Delta-9 (THC, illegal psychoactive cannabis ingredient) will stay in the system.”
Taylor — who said he had since sold the Ford Ranger for £1,500 — was fined £150, ordered to pay costs and must complete a 12-month driving ban.
“You need to get yourself a job,” said the judge. “You’re 21. You seem relatively fit. There should be some jobs out there.”
