Drink-driver with drugs in system handed 16-month ban

A MOTORIST who admitted a drink-driving charge had also taken both cannabis and methadone prior to the incident, a court heard.

But Ian Cryne's solicitor, Andrew Pascoe, told North Lincolnshire magistrates, the defendant was only to be sentenced for the drink-driving offence.

He said: "The only reading by which you can judge him is on the breath machine."

He urged them, when sentencing, to disregard any mention of other substances in his system.

Debbie Sanders, prosecuting, said police received a report a VW car being driven by Cryne had been involved in an accident in Barnard Avenue, Brigg, on June 20.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and, when tested at the police station, he was found to have 56mcgs of alcohol in his breath.

"He said he had a couple of cans of Stella," Miss Sanders said, adding Cryne also said he had smoked cannabis and had taken methadone prior to the test.

Mr Pascoe said his client maintained no accident had taken place. He said: "He denies there was a collision. That will be subject to a trial in due course."

Cryne, 31, of Gainsbor- ough Lane, Scawby, was given a 16-month road ban.

He was also fined £100 and told to pay a £15 surcharge and £60 costs. But, if he completes a drink driver's programme, the period of disqualification will be cut by 16 weeks.