A MECHANIC has lost his licence but will not lose his job after he was stopped by police for drug driving.

Andrew John Marshall, 39, who is the only mechanic employed at a family-run firm in Abermule, pleaded guilty to drug driving when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 7.

The court heard that Marshall, who was supported in court by his employer on the day, will be able to keep his job, despite the offence.

Marshall, of Lon Eithin, Newtown, was pulled over by police driving a blue Honda Accord on Pool Road on November 28 last year.

He failed a roadside drug test, with a reading of 3.4 micrograms of cannabis discovered in his blood – the legal limit is two micrograms.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench said: “The defendant said he had smoked cannabis over the weekend."

“There is nothing of this nature on his record before; he has a clean licence and it is one he has had for a long time,” said defence solicitor Jack Cooper.

“There was no suggestion of there being a poor standard of driving. He pulled over when he saw the flashing lights as he thought officers were trying to get past him.

“He didn’t feel under the influence. He has been a mechanic for 24 years, he loves his job.

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“He is supported by his employer in court and he will be able to his keep job, his employers will re-adjust."

He added that it was a friend's cannabis and he is not a regular user.

Magistrates banned Marshall for a year and ordered him to pay a £350 fine, with a £140 surcharge and £85 costs.