Derbyshire drug-driver caught three times over limit

Zachary George Henson was pulled over in his Vauxhall car in Hurst Rise, Matlock, on October 10, Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court was told on Monday, February 17.

Police said the vehicle smelled strongly of cannabis, and when the 24-year-old was tested he recorded 7mg of the drug in 100ml of blood when the legal limit is 2mg, said prosecutor Becky Allsop.

Mitigating, David Gittins said Henson, of Mettesford, Matlock, had subsequently lost his job following his arrest.

He said: “Mt Henson is a cannabis user, and this was a routine stop by police close to his home address - there was nothing more sinister going on. As a result of this he has lost his job - he was working as a delivery driver and has lost his employment.

“Cannabis is something he’s used to block out his difficulties. He’s never dealt with the sudden death of his father, and he left school with no real qualifications. He also has a brother who’s autistic and he acts as his carer. He is now looking for new employment and, hopefully, he’s learned his lesson.”

Henson also had a previous conviction for possession of cannabis dating back to 2015, the court was told.

Magistrates banned Henson from driving for 22 months, fined him £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.