AN ex-serviceman has admitted drug driving, but is due to put forward a special reason as to why he should not receive a disqualification as he believes his drink was spiked.
Thomas Jones, 35, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court last week where he admitted two charges related to driving with cocaine in his system.
Jones was stopped by police driving a Vauxhall Insignia on the Newtown bypass on September 22 last year. Officers conducted a roadside drug test and results showed Jones had both cocaine and benzoylecgonine – a derivative of cocaine – in his system.
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The amount of cocaine in his blood was 55 micrograms – the legal limit is 10 micrograms. The amount of benzoylecgonine was 800 micrograms – the legal limit is 50mcgs.
Jones, of The Sidings, Kerry, admitted both charges when appearing before magistrates on Tuesday, February 21, but Rob Hanratty, representing him, said he would be putting forward a special reasons argument.
“This is to do with the lacing of a drink,” said Mr Hanratty.
“Mr Jones was discharged from the Army on health grounds. He has since been targeted by unscrupulous individuals. On this occasion a friend says they saw an individual acting suspiciously near a drink.”
Magistrates adjourned the case, with Jones set to return to court on May 31.
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