A DRIVER failed a drug test and was caught carrying cocaine when he was stopped by police near Hereford, a court has heard.
Clive Mark Symonds, who appeared by video link from HMP Oakwood, where he is currently serving an 18-month sentence for violent disorder, entered a guilty plea before magistrates in Hereford on January 20.
Prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said Symonds had been stopped in a Volkswagen Polo on the A4013 at Stretton Sugwas on August 16.
He was arrested after failing a roadside drug test, and a search revealed he was carrying a small amount of cocaine in his wallet.
An evidential blood test in custody revealed Symonds had 149 microgrammes of cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine per litre of blood. The legal limit is 50.
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Chris Read, for Symonds, said the 32-year-old had been pulled over in a routine stop.
"He, as have many others, has fallen into error by using cocaine quite some time before in the belief that it would not remain in his system for as long as it did," Mr Read said.
"He was carrying a small amount of cocaine for personal use."
Symonds was disqualified from driving for 15 months and received a 15-month conditional discharge. He must pay a £22 victim surcharge, but no costs order was made as he is a serving prisoner.
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