Skoda drug driver given driving ban by magistrates

Connor Cowdrey was over the limit for a cannabis metabolite when he was stopped by police.

The 19-year-old of Cutnall Green, admitted drug driving when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Tuesday, (November 15).

Mark Hambling, prosecuting, said on July 2 this year Cowdrey had been driving a Skoda Citigo on Comberton Road, Kidderminster. 

COURT: Connor Cowdrey appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The prosecutor said, after stopping Cowdrey, he smelt of cannabis so they got him to take a roadside swab test which he failed, leading them to arrest him and take him to the police station. 

It later emerged Cowdrey had 7.7ug/L of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol - a component of cannabis - in his blood, exceeding the legal limit of 2ug/l. 

Ian Patterson, defending, highlighted Cowdrey had no previous convictions, asking for him to be given credit for that. 

He said Cowdrey had ADHD and occasionally used cannabis to self-medicate, explaining this was why it was in his system when he had been driving. 

COURT: Connor Cowdrey appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Mr Patterson added Cowdrey had been naive and it had been impulsive behaviour.

Harry Markou, chairman of the magistrates bench, said because there were no aggravating factors to the offence they were going to deal with him with a financial penalty. 

Cowdrey, who was supported by his parents who sat at the back of court, was given a 12-month driving ban and fined £317.

Cowdrey was also ordered to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £127. 

Magistrates accepted an offer for Cowdrey to pay the total, £579, at a rate of £50 a week with the first payment within 28 days.

• Meanwhile, Cowdrey also denied possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. 

The prosecution alleges Cowdrey had a metal baseball bat and a lockknife in Comberton Road, Kidderminster, on July 2. 

The chairman told Cowdrey to attend the next hearing of the case which was scheduled for December 14 at Worcester Crown Court.

Cowdrey was told he had unconditional bail but was warned if he did not attend court on the date he would be committing an offence he would be arrested for.

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