A DRINK-DRIVER and two drug drivers were among the defendants who have had their cases heard in court recently.
The defendants were accused of driving on the M4 while high on cocaine, driving an Audi whilst high on cannabis, and drink-driving on the A487.
The cases were heard at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court and Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court.
- For the latest crime and court news for West Wales, you can join our Facebook group here.
Here’s a round-up of the cases.
SAMUEL THOMAS, 34, of Coronation Drive in Gwbert, was driving on the M4 while high on cocaine.
Thomas was driving a Volkswagen Caddy on the M4 at junction 49 on August 31.
When tested, he recorded having 11 micrograms of cocaine per litre (µg/L) of blood and 240µg/L of benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine.
The legal limits for these – to exclude accidental exposure – are 10µg/L and 50µg/L respectively.
Thomas pleaded guilty to two charges of drug driving at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on February 6.
He was sentenced to a one-year community order, as part of which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Thomas was also banned from driving for three years, and must pay a £120 fine, £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge.
BENJAMIN MATTOCKS, 30, of Maesycrugiau, was caught more than four times over the drug driving limit.
Mattocks was accused of driving an Audi A4 on the A487 at Tan-Y-Groes on September 14 while under the influence of cannabis. When tested, he recorded having 8 micrograms of cannabis per litre (µg/L) of blood.
The legal limit – to exclude accidental exposure – is 2µg/L.
He pleaded guilty, and was banned from driving for 12 months at Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court on February 7.
Mattocks was fined £120, and must pay £85 in costs and a £48 surcharge.
COLIN STOCK, 52, of Cylch Bethlehem in Dihewyd, was caught drink-driving on the A487.
Stock drove a Fiat Punto on the A487 at Llanrhystud on January 20. When breathalysed, he recorded having 44 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit is 35.
Stock pleaded guilty at Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court on February 7.
He was fined £333, and was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £133 surcharge. Stock was also banned from driving for a year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here