Emily Louise Dennis, 33, of Falcon Court in Newtown admitted two drug-driving offences after being stopped by police in her own street.[1] Officers at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court said they spotted Dennis driving a Ford Fiesta in Falcon Court in Maesyrhandir on January 14 after noticing a defective headlight.[1] Checks showed the vehicle was untaxed and had no valid MOT certificate.[1] A roadside alcohol test was negative, but Dennis tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.[1] Later blood tests showed 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine against a 50-microgram limit and 9.1 micrograms of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, against a 2-microgram limit.[1]
Dennis also admitted using a vehicle without a valid MOT and two offences of failing to attend court while on bail.[1] The court heard she had failed to appear at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court after release on bail, leading to a warrant.[1] Defence solicitor Owain Jones described Dennis as a very vulnerable person with ongoing health issues, memory problems and serious spinal conditions.[1] Jones said she had not tried to avoid the court process and had attended the latest hearing voluntarily after a friend reminded her.[1] Jones said she had succumbed to peer pressure to drive on that occasion.[1]
Chairman of the bench Jeremy Banks said the offences were serious enough to warrant a community order.[1] Dennis was given a 12-month community order with a probation requirement.[1] She was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay £319 in fines, costs and surcharges to be deducted from her benefits.[1]
