Shropshire man first to be convicted for drug driving offences
A man from Shropshire, has become the first person to be convicted nationally since new drug driving legislation came into force.
Jason Robert Butter, aged 27 of Maer Lane in Market Drayton appeared at Telford Magistrates on Monday.
He was convicted of two counts of driving with a drug above the prescribed limit in his system, disqualified from driving for three years and given community service along with a fine.
Butter was arrested on Sunday 8 March, just six days after the legislation was introduced. He was routinely stopped and suspected to be under the influence of drugs. He was tested roadside and arrested following a positive drugs test.
A laboratory specimen was analysed. Once it was confirmed Butter had cocaine and a related substance in his system above the prescribed limit, he was charged with the offences.
Inspector Jeffrey Morris said "This conviction is an excellent example, of how the new drug driving laws, will be used to convict offenders.
"We will continue to tackle drug driving, and bring offenders before the courts. For more information on the drug driving campaign visit www.srpwestmercia.org.uk"
