An Isle of Wight drug driver was told by his solicitor to “get rid” of his distinctive bright yellow car after being caught over the limit twice in less than three months.
Kristian Venn, of Benett Street in Ryde, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Friday, November 8.
The 44-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of drug driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and possession of a Class B drug – namely cannabis.
Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said police were on routine patrol on Kite Hill in Wootton at mid-afternoon on March 1 when they spotted a bright yellow Ford Focus ST on their system as having no tax or MOT.
Ms McConnell told the court Venn was behind the wheel and provided a positive roadside DrugWipe test for cannabis and cocaine.
At the police station, a further blood test confirmed that Venn was over the limit for BZE, cannabis and cocaine.
Ms McConnell told magistrates that the next set of offences, on May 28, were committed before the police blood sample returned, so Venn had not yet been charged.
Venn was stopped by police and provided a positive test again but, at the police station, refused to provide a blood specimen, said Ms McConnell, who added that a small amount of cannabis was found inside the car.
Barry Keel, defending, said his client uses cannabis for ‘palliative reasons’ to help him cope with mental health problems.
The reason for the original traffic stop was due to the test running out on Venn’s vehicle and nothing to do with his driving, Mr Keel told magistrates.
Mr Keel said: “I told my client that when you are driving a bright yellow vehicle, you stand out and make yourself a target.”
The vehicle is up for sale, which should help him get rid of such a “distinctive vehicle,” he added.
Mr Keel told the court that Venn no longer takes Class A drugs, and he intends to stop taking cannabis by the time he receives his licence back.
Magistrates disqualified Venn from driving for two years and handed him an 18-month community order, which includes 25 rehabilitation days.
Venn must also pay £400 in court costs, a fine of £120 and a £114 surcharge fee.
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