A Swindon man has handed a three-year driving ban after being caught driving his car under the influence of cannabis.

Luke Symonds, 27, of Banwell Avenue, Park North, was stopped on Drove Road on Februrary 19 after an officer thought he was driving his Mazda suspiciously.

The Mazda smelt strongly of cannabis so Symonds was tested and found to be positive for the drug. 

He pleaded guilty to drug driving when he appeared before magistrates in Swindon on Tuesday (12/10). As well as the disqualification, he was fined £80 and ordered to pay Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34. 

PC Luke Hobbs said: “Driving whilst under the influence of drugs puts not only yourself, but other road users at risk. It’s extremely selfish and could have serious consequences. 

“Sentences such as this should send a strong message to the public – do not get behind the wheel of a car whilst under the influence of drink or      drugs or you will be caught and put before the courts.

“I am pleased that on this occasion a lengthy driving ban has been imposed."