Cannabis Driver Caught During Flood Mercy Dash

A driver, who got out of bed to assist his flooded in-laws, has been banned from the roads after police caught him behind the wheel under the influence of cannabis.

Yard supervisor Kevin Andrews, 55, had a half-smoked joint in his BMW when stopped during the journey and was nearly three times the legal blood cannabis limit.

At Staines-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court he was fined £120, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and disqualified from driving for twelve months.

Andrews, of Molesham Way, West Molesey, Surrey pleaded guilty to driving with 5.9 micrograms of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood in Rydens Road, Walton-on-Thames on November 21, last year.

Prosecutor Gus Walter told the court officers stopped Andrews’ red BMW 325 because the vehicle was flagged for having no MOT.

“The reason for the stop was an expired MOT on the vehicle and the officers noticed a very strong smell smell of cannabis and a residue of a green herbal substance.

“The defendant provided a half-smoked cigarette that he confirmed was cannabis.”

A roadside drug swipe test showed he was positive for cannabis and Andrews was arrested and taken to Staines Police Station.

The first-time offender’s lawyer, Jennifer Lewin said: “He did not expect to be driving, but got a call from the parents of his partner.

“He was woken by the call and told there was a flood and both of them were sleeping in electric beds and he has training as an electrician and made the decision to drive.

“It was a split-second decision to go and he did not think of the options.

“The loss of his driving licence will be quite difficult for Mr Andrews and his family. He does look after others’ needs and with their shopping.”