Man drove work van under the influence of cannabis in Glasgow

Michael James Baxter was driving a Citroen Berlingo on Westerhouse Road in the East End at 8.15pm on October 6 last year.

Police officers spotted him and asked him to stop.

As they approached to speak to him, they noted a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.

Baxter provided his details and admitted that he had consumed the drug in the last 24 hours.

The officers checked their system and also realised that no insurance was held for that car.

A sample of saliva was collected and tested, returning a positive result for cannabis.

The 28-year-old was cautioned and taken to Motherwell police station. There, further procedures were carried out and his blood was taken.

The Bonnybridge, Falkirk resident appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier this week after he pleaded guilty to one charge of using a vehicle without a policy of insurance.

He also admitted to driving while the level of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his blood was 2.3 microgrammes per litre.

This is above the legal limit of 2mg per litre of blood.

Sheriff Particia Pryce noted: "[He has had] nothing analogous."

Baxter's lawyer explained: "He is currently disqualified from driving for six months from January.

"In relation to this incident, he was driving a work van from his employer. He had no insurance. He admits this is his fault and he should have made sure he had it before driving.

"He had cannabis the night before. He had used it recreationally. He has not used it since and has no intention of using it again.

"He takes full responsibility. He understands his actions were reckless. He is working full-time as a labourer for his friend."

For driving without insurance, Baxter was admonished and his licence endorsed.

For the drug offence, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months, his licence was endorsed and he was sentenced to six months of supervision, as well as ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.