A Newcastle driver who was stopped by police for having no insurance was found to be over the drug-driving limit after eating cannabis cakes. Alicia Hall, 28, admitted the offence at Newcastle Magistrates' Court and was banned from the roads for 12 months.
Hall, of Bruce Gardens, in Fenham, was stopped on Walker Road in Walker on January 17 this year. Police checks revealed the BMW she was driving had no insurance, and officers noticed a smell of cannabis in the vehicle.
Roadside drugs swipe led to arrest
Officers asked Hall to undertake a roadside drugs swipe, which came back positive, and she was arrested. A later blood sample showed she had 5.7mcg of cannabis per litre of blood, more than double the legal limit of 2mcg.
Prosecutor Chike Anieto said police were on patrol when they spotted Hall in the BMW. Mr Anieto added: "Checks confirmed that the vehicle had no insurance."
Medicinal use for multiple sclerosis
Kyle Patterson, defending, said Hall thought she was insured to drive her mother's car and took cannabis to help with the symptoms of her multiple sclerosis. Mr Patterson said: "She doesn't smoke cannabis but does use it for medicinal reasons by consuming cakes or cookies, which she makes herself, with it in."
The solicitor said Hall now takes her prescription painkillers instead of cannabis. Hall pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug limit and driving without insurance.
As well as the ban, Hall was fined £80 and must pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
