An Isle of Wight man has been handed a driving ban after being caught under the influence of drugs while behind the wheel of his BMW in Newport.

Winston Boddy, of Corve Hill, Shorwell, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 13, for sentencing. 

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said police stopped the 27-year-old at Sainsbury's petrol station on Hunnycross Way at 4pm on January 27.

Ms Stone told the court police noted a strong smell of cannabis and Boddy failed a roadside DrugWipe.

A blood test later confirmed Boddy had 2.4mg/l of cannabis in his blood when the limit is 2.
Boddy initially pleaded not guilty, after he disputed the test result, but later changed his plea to guilty on September 1.

Unrepresented, Boddy said he suffers with poor mental health and is signed off work sick, but when questioned by magistrates, admitted he was not currently taking medication and was not trying to get a job.

Magistrates handed Boddy a 12-month driving disqualification and a 12-month community order and was ordered to pay a £120 fine and £114 surcharge.