A DRUG driving Blue Badge holder who took cannabis for pain relief has been banned from the road.

Russell Voysey, of Prospect Road, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, October 22.

The 51-year-old admitted drug driving in Newport, on Church Litten, on April 10.

Prosecutor, Lauren Stone, said on-duty police officers were driving a marked vehicle at around 4pm.

She said they received information that a driver was potentially driving while under the influence and spotted Voysey on St George’s Way, turning into Church Litten, and parking up at Morrisons.

The court heard he took corners faster than expected on a wet day and registered a reading of 8.4 for THC (cannabis derivative) when the specified limit is 2.  

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Voysey and his wife were disabled Blue Badge holders, and the former was a full-time carer for the latter.

He said Voysey had an issue with the vertebrae on his lower back and severe arthritis, and used cannabis to manage the pain.

The court heard he used painkillers and cannabis for pain control, and to help him sleep, and used the latter a few days before the incident.

Voysey was fined £200 and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

He must pay costs of £85 and an £80 surcharge.