Driver banned after testing positive for cannabis

A 20-year-old man was today fined $1500 and given a one-year road ban after he admitted driving while impaired by cannabis.

Michael Byron was charged with the offences after traces of marijuana were found in his blood following and accident.

The court heard police responded to a single vehicle accident on July 14 on Palmetto Road at 12:56am.

They spoke with Byron who said he was the rider of the bike. Officers noticed his breath smelled of intoxicants and his eyes were glazed and bloodshot.

The passenger on the bike was being treated by EMT’s for minor injuries. Byron was taken to hospital for abrasions he received during the accident.

Crown counsel Kenly Swan told the court while at hospital, samples of Byron’s blood were demanded for analysis. The defendant signed the consent form and shortly after, a doctor came to take his blood.

The samples were found to have traces of cannabis. Byron was then arrested and charged with the offense.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner gave Byron a 12 month driving disqualification and a $1500 fine to be paid by January 4.