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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis smoker cleared of drug-driving
Craven Hearld and Pioneer Thursday 09 Feb 2012 Andrew Charlton admitted smoking cannabis and cutting a corner in his Audi A3 close to Cononley Lane Ends, but Skipton magistrates found insufficient evidence to prove he had been unfit to drive. He did, however, admit to having cannabis on him on the day and committing a further three other drugs offences while he was on bail. Charlton, of Threshfield, had driven three friends to see a film in Bradford on May 9 last year and they had smoked the joint before going into the cinema, the court heard last Wednesday. As Charlton drove back towards Skipton at around midnight to drop off one of the group, the manner of his driving alerted a police officer who turned and stopped him in Keighley Road. PC Mark Brook told the court Charlton had cut a corner and he was also driving the type of car frequently stolen. Charlton provided a negative roadside breath test for alcohol, but PC Brook was concerned about his dilated pupils, red eyes and a strong smell of cannabis. A small bag of cannabis was found under the driver’s seat and Charlton was asked to carry out roadside fitness tests to determine his ability to drive. TC Ken Riley said he concluded further tests were needed after Charlton swayed while walking in a straight line, used his arms for balance while standing on one leg and because his pupils were larger than normal. Charlton was arrested and taken to the police station where two hours later a doctor concluded he was not impaired to drive. A blood test confirmed he had smoked cannabis in the recent past and it was possible that his driving could have been impaired. Charlton, who denied driving while unfit on May 10, fully admitted smoking cannabis and had co-operated with police, the court was told. Defending, Julian White said Charlton was a hard- working man who rose most days at 6am to pursue careers in building and agriculture and was also a keen rugby player. Charlton had earlier admitted to being in possession of cannabis on May 10, and 0.641 grams of cocaine, a class A drug, at The Strata Club, Skipton, on August 13. He also admitted the possession of 0.123 grams of ecstasy, a class A drug, and 1.69 grams of cannabis, at his home in Brooklyn, Threshfield, on August 13. In mitigation, Mr White said Charlton was a victim of the culture that believed it was acceptable to indulge in recreational drugs. But he added he had learned a valuable lesson and was sure he would not ever return to court. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order requiring him to carry out 40 hours’ unpaid work. They ordered the destruction of the drugs. http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/9521862.Cannabis_smoker_cleared_of_drug_driving/
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