A POWYS man has admitted drug driving – despite telling police who stopped him he had not smoked cannabis for a month.

Paul David Smith, 38, received a 14-month ban this week after admitting drug driving in Newtown.

Smith, of Crescent Gardens, Newtown, was stopped by police near his home on August 15, who suspected he was under the influence.

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A roadside drug wipe came back positive, despite the fact Smith said to officers it had been around a month since he’d last smoked cannabis.

His solicitor told Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 14, the incident had shocked his client so much, that he has since quit smoking the Class B drug.

“PC Bufton noticed a vehicle, followed and stopped it,” said prosecutor Helen Tench.

“The defendant had a jaundiced look. He said he had smoked cannabis last a month ago. A drug swipe was positive and he was arrested.”

She said Smith had historic previous similar convictions.

The level of cannabis found in Smith’s blood was 6.5 micrograms – the legal limit is 2 micrograms.

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Rob Hanratty, defending Smith, said there was no impairment in relation to his driving.

“He has ancient convictions for being involved in cannabis,” said Mr Hanratty.

“He had been a regular user for many years.

“The same officer stopped him two weeks later and he was completely negative. He was so shocked by this incident he has quit cannabis.”

In addition to the ban, Smith was fined £200 and told to pay £85 costs and an £80 surcharge.