An “occasional” cocaine user blamed an over-the-counter drug that was bought to treat toothache for a drug test.
James Alton made an admission of guilt when appearing before the Hereford judges.
Police saw Alton driving a Hyundai on the A49 in Harewood End on Feb.2, Prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.
He was stopped, admitted to having a small amount of cocaine, and was arrested after failing a roadside drug test. An evidence test in custody found that he had 428 micrograms of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine per liter of blood. The legal limit is 50.
ALSO READ:
Chris Read said for Alton the 52-year-old had returned after visiting a sick family member.
“During his absence, he was in severe pain from a broken tooth and abscess. He bought an over-the-counter pain reliever and did his own research and found that the drug contained certain chemicals.” that give this result and are linked to cocaine, so they give this reading for benzoylecgonine.
“He thought, ‘Well, it’s not cocaine’ at first, but I told him the offense was having the metabolite in his system.
“He admits he occasionally uses cocaine, but the outcome of this incident came from the drugs he bought over the counter.
“He has an unusual lifestyle. He works in the entertainment industry as a magician and illusionist, but there has been little work in the last 12 months so he has to apply for benefits.
“The small amount of cocaine he had was only worth a few pounds that were left in a bag in the car.”
Alton of Ethelstan Crescent, Hereford, was deprived of driving for 12 months and fined £ 120. He also has to pay a cost of £ 185 and a sacrifice surcharge of £ 34.