A POWYS man has received an additional driving ban after being sentenced for drug driving a second time.
Richard Hodnett, 29, appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 7, where he admitted drug driving on the A483 in Crossgates, near Llandrindod Wells.
The offence took place on February 24. Hodnett is already disqualified after he was banned in March by magistrates sitting in Welshpool for an earlier drug driving stop, which occurred in November last year.
Read more
Man jailed for over seven years for historic abuse of young girl
Powys man has two suspended prison sentences after Tesco theft and assault
Ex-volunteer admits fraud by buying cake and cigarettes
On that occasion, Hodnett was driving a Ford Fiesta in Newtown, while under the influence of cocaine.
It was the same car that police found him behind the wheel of in February, with the defendant arrested after he failed a roadside drug test.
On both occasions Hodnett provided positive tests for benzoylecgonine (BZE), a compound of cocaine.
“The defendant was stopped by police and complied with the roadside test,” said prosecutor Victoria Vasey.
“He was stopped for other road offences, though it is not clear what they were. The offence is complicated by a previous conviction for drug driving last November. He was sentenced for that in March, after this offence occurred.”
The reading of BZE provided by Hodnett was 240 micrograms in blood – the legal limit is 50 micrograms.
Sophie Jones, defending Hodnett, of Wernygaufron, Lloyney, near Knighton, said her client was stopped because of a bald tyre on his vehicle.
“He tells me that a week before this he fell in with the wrong crowd. He went to the pub and consumed cocaine,” said Ms Jones.
“He was a self-employed farm contractor but he was disqualified in March and no longer has that job; he is instead working on the local family farm.
“He tells me there are no underlying issues with drugs; during both incidents he’s consumed drugs recreationally.
“He describes this as a wake-up call for him. He says he will not be taking any more drugs in the future.”
She added that Hodnett is currently disqualified.
Probation officer Donna Davies said: “He was very honest, he said he made a mistake. The second offence was the wake-up call he needed.”
Magistrates extended Hodnett’s driving ban, telling him he will now be disqualified for a further 28 months.
He was also fined £120 and told to pay a £48 surcharge and £85 costs.
Share