A FORMER delivery driver has been banned from the roads for a year after testing over the drug drive limit.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court via video link from Gablecross police station, Gareth Hemmings, 26, of Sudeley Way, Grange Park, pleaded guilty to driving while over the cannabis limit.

Prosecutor Ben Worthington said police had pulled over Hemmings’ Golf on Drakes Way on October 8 last year. They suspected the driver behind the wheel was disqualified, although this was not the case.

The officers could smell cannabis from the car and Hemmings gave a positive roadside reading for cannabis. Tests later showed he had 4.3mcgs of tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcgs.

Defending, Gordon Hotson said there had been no criticism of his client’s driving. Hemmings had worked as a delivery driver for his entire working life, although was not currently working. He had a young daughter and a driving ban would make it difficult for him to travel to see her.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month disqualification, a £64 fine and £117 in costs and surcharge.