Welsh drivers receive bans for drug‑driving offenses

In Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court, three motorists faced drug‑driving charges. Darren Young, 40, was found with cocaine and cannabis, recorded 240 µg/L benzoylecgonine and 3.2 µg/L THC, exceeding limits. He pleaded guilty and received a one‑year community order, a 17‑month licence suspension, 15 rehabilitation days, a £200 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge. Shane Griffiths, 20, denied the charge after a test showed 6 µg/L THC; he was granted bail and awaits a September trial. Ruan Austin, 49, was alleged to have drink‑driven with a breath‑alcohol reading of 100 µg/100 mL (limit 35); he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail pending a July hearing.

In Welshpool Magistrates’ Court, Callum Edwards‑Pritchard, 30, of Llanrhystud, pleaded guilty to drug‑driving after police stopped his blue Ford Fiesta on the A470. Blood tests showed 160 µg/L benzoylecgonine, more than three times the legal limit. He was sentenced to a 16‑month driving ban, an £80 fine, £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge. The court noted his prior imprisonment for an unrelated matter and his ongoing rehabilitation.