A 42-year-old man from Swindon, Selvaraj Amuthanathan, was disqualified from driving for three years after testing positive for cannabis. Wiltshire Police stopped him on December 29 last year in Kingswood Avenue after noticing signs of drug use, including glazed pupils and the distinct smell of cannabis.
Police officers intercepted Amuthanathan’s vehicle at the Kingswood Surgery car park, where a roadside drugs test indicated cannabis use. Further blood tests confirmed significant levels of the drug in his system.
On May 28, at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Amuthanathan was handed a three-year driving ban and fined £120. He must pass an extended driving test before his licence can be restored.
PC Hobbs from the Roads Policing unit warned about the dangers of drug driving, stating, “Drug driving is one of the fatal five offences for good reason. Smoking cannabis significantly impairs your ability to drive, slowing your reactions, distorting your perception of time and distance, and reducing your awareness of your surroundings.”
Amuthanathan’s lengthy ban highlights the serious road safety risks and legal consequences associated with driving under the influence of drugs.
Originally published by UKNIP.