Aldi worker caught behind the wheel after he smoked cannabis

AN Aldi worker has said he is “deeply embarrassed” after being caught driving after smoking cannabis.

Joshua Thomson was caught driving in Hexham after patrolling police smelled a strong scent of cannabis coming from his Audi A4.

When officers pulled him over, he admitted smoking the drug “hours” beforehand and went on to fail a blood test.

Thomson, of Parkfield, Ryton, Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week facing a charge of driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that at around 10.20pm on September 22 last year, police were on patrol near Hexham Bridge when they spotted Thomson’s Audi.

Paul Coulson, prosecuting, said: “While behind [the Audi] there was a strong smell of cannabis and they followed the vehicle.

“The vehicle came to a stop and officers spoke to the driver. They noticed a strong smell of cannabis and he said someone else had been smoking. The vehicle was searched and he did say he smoked cannabis but [had not done so] for hours.”

Thomson was drug tested and was found to be over the THC limit. He had no previous convictions.

John Kirkham, defending, told the court Thomson “cooperated fully” with police.

He said: “It is his first appearance at court and he is deeply embarrassed. He works for Aldi as an assistant site manager and he has been suspended. His future employment is at significant risk.

“He admits he is an occasional cannabis user. On this day he had been working on the morning shift. It came to an end and he smoked cannabis... he thought it would be out of his system.”

Thomson was fined £530 and banned from driving for 14 months. He must also pay a £212 surcharge and £85 costs.

Joshua Thomson