Binman receives driving ban for drug driving in Barrow

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

A binman has been banned from driving after testing positive for cannabis while driving without insurance or a valid licence.

Evan Szajduk, a 30-year-old binman from Askam, was stopped on Rakesmoor Lane in Barrow after police followed his BMW on Park Road and Abbey Road towards Dalton. Database checks had revealed the vehicle was driving without insurance.

Upon being stopped, officers detected a smell of cannabis and found a small quantity on him. He returned a positive roadside DrugWipe test and was arrested. In custody he provided a reading of 4.9 ug/L of cannabis, more than double the 2.0 ug/L limit set for prosecution in the UK. He was also found to be driving with only a provisional licence.

Szajduk pleaded guilty to drug driving, possession of cannabis, driving without third party insurance and driving without a valid licence. His solicitor Karen Templeton told South Cumbria Magistrates' Court that this was his first appearance before the court. She said he had not used cannabis for years but had turned to it following the breakdown of a long-term relationship. He had not taken cannabis for four months and had no intention of using it again, she added. He received a driving ban.

How it is being reported

• 'Stupid mistake' sees binman banned after drug driving in BarrowA BINMAN has received a driving ban after he made a ‘stupid mistake’ in smoking cannabis following the breakdown of a long-term relationship, a court heard.NW Evening Mail · 13 Oct, 06:00
• 'Stupid mistake' sees binman banned after drug driving in BarrowA BINMAN has received a driving ban after he made a ‘stupid mistake’ in smoking cannabis following the breakdown of a long-term relationship, a court heard.Westmorland Gazette · 13 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Evan Szajduk · South Cumbria Magistrates' Court · Barrow · Askam

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