Motorcyclist banned from driving after failing drug test

In a recent incident of drug driving, a man has been disqualified from driving and fined after he was caught nearly nine times over the prescribed drug driving limit.

Paul Andrew Rookes, a 43 year old from Meggeson Avenue, Southampton, was driving a Lexmoto LXS motorcycle along Northam Road in Southampton when he was stopped by the police at around 11am on 13 January. They pulled him over due to a strong smell of cannabis emanating from him.

Upon suspicion of drug use, Rookes was asked to provide a roadside drug test which he failed. A blood sample was then taken which revealed that he had approximately 17.5ug/L of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood, almost nine times over the prescribed drug driving limit of 2ug/L under S.5(A) of the Road Traffic Act.

Rookes admitted to one charge of drug driving and was sentenced yesterday (23 March) at Southampton Magistrates Court. The court disqualified him from driving for 12 months and also fined him £120 for the offense.

The incident highlights the importance of adhering to the legal limits of drug driving and the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs. The police have urged drivers to be responsible and avoid driving if they have consumed any drugs that could impair their ability to drive.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, the Hampshire Constabulary’s lead on roads policing, said, “Driving under the influence of drugs is an extremely serious offence, and we will continue to target those who put themselves and others at risk on our roads. We hope this case sends a strong message to anyone who considers drug-driving, that it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated”.