Police smelled drugs in car

DRIVER Chloe Mycock was caught behind the wheel over the drugs limit.

The 24-year-old was stopped by police in Hanley due to a query over the vehicle’s insurance.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard officers smelled cannabis coming from the car.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “Officers driving along Leek Road following a red Mercedes. There was a smell of cannabis which seemed to be coming from the vehicle. An insurance check showed it was not insured.

“They pulled the vehicle over in Lichfield Street. There were two females in the vehicle. They spoke to the driver this defendant - who tested positive for cannabis.”

A blood sample was later taken which revealed Mycock, of Arundel Drive,

Cheadle, was over the limit for the cannabis derivative THC. She has no previous convictions.

Mark Harrison, mitigating, said: “It has been confirmed that there was insurance in place for the vehicle.

“She has no convictions whatsoever and nothing on her driving record. She was going through a particularly difficult spell. She had been put on furlough for a considerable period of time, which caused some problems.

“Unfortunately, she had had to leave her employment. She feels embarrassed and upset by what’s happened. It’s her first time before the court and I feel confident it will be the last.”

Magistrates fined Mycock £120 and disqualified her from driving for 12 months. She must also pay £169 in court costs and charges.