A BUILTH Wells man sprayed deodorant in his car after being stopped by police to try and mask the smell of cannabis.

Joe Williams received a driving ban this week after he admitted a charge of drug driving.

The 20-year-old, who was pulled over driving a silver Ford Fiesta near his home on Market Street on January 29 this year, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 21.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies told the court the amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis) in Williams’ blood was recorded as being 7 microgrammes – exceeding the specified limit of 2mcgs.

“It was 11pm when police had cause to stop a Ford Fiesta being driven by the defendant on Market Street,” said Mr Davies.

“The officer could tell that body spray had been sprayed immediately before she approached the vehicle. The defendant’s eyes were dilated and he was speaking slowly. A roadside drug swipe proved positive and he was arrested and taken to the police station.”

Defending Williams, of Smithfield Row, Brecon Road, Builth, Gareth Walters said his client was of previous clean character.

“He’d spent the day with friends, taking cannabis with friends,” said Mr Walters.

“He was then stopped driving with one of his brake lights out, which is why he was stopped. He didn’t know this at the time. He is self-employed as a sub-contractor in forestry work. This conviction will make his job a lot harder.”

Magistrates banned Williams from driving for a year and ordered him to pay a £300 fine, as well as £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.