A DRIVER was arrested for drugs possession after police initially stopped to offer roadside assistance because he had broken down.

Edward Barnwell told police he had broken down, with his Audi A3 parked on the side of the A4081 near Llanyre, on June 15. Officers on patrol stopped upon seeing the Audi at 2am, but after they stopped to talk to the 28-year-old they could smell cannabis emitting from the car.

Barnwell pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 6.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said: “PC Coombs was on mobile patrol near Llandrindod at 2am, when he came across a black Audi A3 on the A4081 near Llanyre.

“He stopped his car and noted the defendant was driving. He (Barnwell) said he had broken down, there was another male in the car. The officer noted a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car.

“He searched the car and found a number of snap bags containing herbal cannabis and a half smoked joint. The items were seized and found to have a street value of about £60.

“All the cannabis was in his possession, he said, but some may have been a friend’s, although he refused to give any names.”

Acting on his own behalf, Barnwell, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, said: “There’s nothing else to say. It was in my possession so I’m to blame.”

When asked if he was currently in employment, Barnwell added: “I’m not working because of my mental health, I’m on personal independence payment.”

Barnwell was fined £80 fine and ordered to pay £85 costs as well as a £34 surcharge.