A Milford motorcyclist has been given a 12 month disqualification after pleading guilty to ‘drug driving’ following an accident.
Thirty-two-year-old John Wilkins, of Cutty Sark Drive, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, to admit driving his Suzuki Bandit motorbike with a proportion of cannabis in his system, namely 3 ug, exceeding the specified limit.
Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told the court that at 9.45 pm on July 5, police received a call from the ambulance service that there had been a serious motorcycle accident on the A4075 at Blackpool Mill, between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston.
“The rider was injured and the road closed. It was apparent that Mr. Wilins had been thrown from his motorbike whilst trying to negotiate a sweeping bend,” she said.
The defendant sustained several injuries including a fractured shoulder, collar bone, injuries to his ribs and back.
Blood samples were taken following the accident and sent for forensic analysis, and showed that the level of cannabis in Mr. Wilkins’ system was 3 ug.
Defence solicitor Jonathan Webb told the court that the defendant was an experienced motorbike rider. “He often takes cannabis on a nightly basis, but not that day. It had stayed in his system, so he was not necessarily under the influence at the time of the accident.
“Mr. Wilkins had extensive injuries and has been unable to return to work as of yet,” he added.
Magistrates disqualified the defendant from driving for 12 months and fined him £120 for the offence.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.