Student was driving while on cannabis

A STUDENT who drove while on cannabis was caught after police noticed his “bloodshot” eyes.

For the second time Jonathan Hilton landed in court for law-breaking behind the wheel.

The 22-year-old from Monmouth was driving a blue Honda Civic on January 7 along the A4810 near Newport, prosecutor Tabitha Walker told Newport Magistrates’ Court.

A patrolling police officer stopped the car as it headed towards Magor services.

“The driver identified himself as Jonathan Hilton,” said Ms Walker.

“The officer noticed that Mr Hilton had bloodshot eyes, so administered a roadside drug test which revealed a positive reading for cannabis.”

Hilton was taken to Newport Central police station and gave a blood sample which showed he had 2.5mcg of THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis – per litre of blood. The legal driving limit is 2mcg.

Wearing a lilac shirt in court on Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit for a controlled drug.

Hilton, of Howard Bowen Close, has a previous conviction from 2020 for being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs.

Passing sentence Presiding Justice Shijil Miah said: “For this offence we are going to fine you. Based on your declared income it would have been £450 but because you have pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity we reduce it to £300.”

The magistrates also banned Hilton from driving for 12 months and imposed a £34 victim services surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

Mr Miah added: “You are a student. We do not want to set you up to fail, so we will say you can pay within 56 days.”