A WREXHAM man has lost his licence after he was caught behind the wheel while over the limit for two drugs.

Callum Wilson, of Maes Hyfryd in New Rhosrobin, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday for sentence.

The 25-year-old had previously admitted two offences of drug-driving, as well as driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without insurance.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, told the court that at around 11am on August 1, police on patrol in Gwersyllt spotted a transit tipper van being driven in Gwersyllt.

The vehicle was stopped due to concerns it was carrying an unsecured load.

The Leader:

Officers smelled cannabis and when testing the driver, Wilson, it was found he had 5.4 microgrammes of cannabis per litre of blood, the limit being 2, as well as having greater than 400 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine (a breakdown product of cocaine also referred to as BZE) in a litre of blood - the limit for that substance being 50.

A probation officer told the court the defendant uses cannabis "as a form of self medication" to deal with stress and used cocaine on a 'recreational' basis.

Wilson had believed his boss had renewed his driving licence prior to him getting behind the wheel - but that he ultimately accepted it had been his responsibility to check.

The probation officer added Wilson has anxiety and depression and is on the autistic spectrum - all of which he received medication for.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, conceded that her client being caught with two distinct drugs in his system reflected higher culpability on his part, explaining: "There was an unsecured load - he hadn't actually loaded the truck, and there was no charge from that."

RECOMMENDED READING: 

She told the court there hadn't been any suggestion of driving impairment on her client's part, commending the probation service's recommended intervention as part of his sentence.

The court handed down a 12 month community order, imposing 10 days of rehabilitation activity, a three month drug rehabilitation requirement and 80 hours of unpaid work.

Wilson was banned from driving for 36 months and must pay £85 costs, as well as a £114 victim surcharge.