Teenage drug driver banned from road after 'foolish experiment'

Drug wipe highlighted presence of cannabis after routine stop by police officer

A Colby teenager who drove while under the influence of cannabis just weeks after passing his driving test has lost his licence and been given a fine of more than £1,000.

Magistrates told 17-year-old Joseph Thomas Nicholson of Ballacriy Park the 'foolish experiment' had cost him his good character.

The court heard Nicholson was pulled over in a routine stop shortly after 8.30am on Monday 5 December 2022, but the police officer became suspicious when noticing the teenager had red and glazed eyes.

A drug wipe indicated he had cannabis in his system, while a blood test later revealed he was three times over the legal limit.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said Nicholson had experimented the previous day, and there was no suggestion his standard of driving had fallen below the expected level.

Mr Wood told the court the incident was a one-off, as Nicholson has no further desire to experiment with cannabis.

Magistrates heard the teenager felt the shame and embarrassment of appearing in court, and while he has the support of his parents, they were disappointed.

Mr Wood also outlined Nicholson's plans to remain in education and go to university before pursuing a field of work where such a conviction could be an issue.

After Nicholson entered a guilty plea at Douglas Courthouse, magistrates said they believe he was genuinely remorseful, describing the incident as a 'foolish experiment'.

Nicholson was told he would be banned from the roads for two years, and would have to take an extended driving test after serving his ban.

He'll also have to display R plates for two years after completing the extended test.

In addition, he was fined £1,250, with costs of £125.