Careless drug-driver caught by police after taking costly shortcut to work in Sheffield

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard how Daniel Roy, aged 24, of Thorpe Drive, Waterthorpe, was driving on the A57 when he was caught in the act.

He was also found to be over the drug-drive limit for a cannabis derivative.

Robert Coyne, prosecuting, said a police officer on mobile patrol spotted Roy’s VW Golf taking an illegal right turn from Rotherham Road, near Beighton, driving 30 metres on the wrong side of the A57 to avoid a reservation and to save time.

Mr Coyne added: “He made an illegal right turn and travelled on the wrong side of the road for 30 metres before making a turn.”

He said Roy got out of his vehicle when he saw the police officer, and apologised and when the officer smelled cannabis coming from the vehicle, with Roy admitting that he had smoked a joint.Roy, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention after the incident on November 9, 2020, and to exceeding the drug-drive limit for a cannabis derivative.

John Davies, defending, said: “He’s deeply regretful for his actions. The consequences are likely to have far-reaching implications for him and his family.”

Mr Davies added that Roy has had a difficult time after the loss of his grandfather and he had been struggling in a relationship and was smoking cannabis to sleep.

Roy was taking a shortcut to work, according to Mr Davies, when he exited Rotherham Road by turning right.Mr Davies said Roy’s employers told him he could come back if he is not banned from driving and has since been working for his brother.

Roy also looks after his poorly father, according to Mr Davies.

Mr Davies said: “It was in the early hours with minimal traffic. He’s remorseful. He has stopped his drug use and he is of good character and he has learned a lot from this and he is ostensibly the primary carer for his father.”

Magistrates fined Roy £500 and ordered him to pay a £50 criminal surcharge and £85 costs.

Roy was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

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