Wisbech man who was caught drug-driving in Emneth was driving slowly on road with ‘extreme potholes’

A drug-driver was caught by police after being seen driving “extremely slowly” down a road with “extreme potholes”.

Alexander Mitchell, 37, appeared at Lynn’s Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted driving while having tetrahydrocannabinol – the main active chemical of cannabis – in his system.

On the evening of January 4, Mitchell, of New Drove, Wisbech, was seen driving a Volkswagen Polo on Elm High Road in Emneth “extremely slowly”.

Prosecutor Paul Brown told the court that police pulled Mitchell over and said there was an “overpowering smell of cannabis”.

A drugs test was conducted which found that Mitchell had 6mcg of tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood. The legal limit to drive is 2mcg.

In mitigation, Andrew Cogan said to the magistrates: “I don’t know when the last time was that you drove down Elm High Road.

“But the last time I drove down there it was noteworthy of the extreme potholes down that road.

“I’m aware since the incident they have since been repaired, but Mr Mitchell was going to get petrol and was being careful with his speed.”

Mr Cogan added: “He was told that he was pulled over by police because he was touching the white line.

“I can fully understand why someone would want to avoid a pothole – but then there was the smell of cannabis.”

Mr Cogan explained that Mitchell was on his way to visit family.

Speaking on behalf of the magistrates, William Hush said: “I know the road extremely well, nevertheless we are going to disqualify you.”

Mitchell was disqualified from driving for 12 months and was fined £120.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and court costs of £50.