A Swindon man has been disqualified from driving for 36 months after he was caught behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.
Luke Symonds, 27, of Banwell Avenue, Park North, was driving a Mazda along Drove Road on 19th February, when an officer stopped the vehicle due to suspicions regarding the manner of driving.
The vehicle smelt strongly of cannabis and a roadside drug wipe test was carried out on Symonds, which tested positive for cannabis.
Symonds pleaded guilty to drug driving when he appeared before magistrates in Swindon on Tuesday 12th October. As well as the disqualification, he was fined £80 and ordered to pay Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.
PC Luke Hobbs said, “Driving whilst under the influence of drugs puts not only yourself, but other road users at risk. It’s extremely selfish and could have serious consequences.
“Sentences such as this should send a strong message to the public – do not get behind the wheel of a car whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or you will be caught and put before the courts.
“I am pleased that on this occasion a lengthy driving ban has been imposed.”
