A WICKWAR teenager was stopped by police in the early hours of the morning in his car and found to be under the influence of drugs, a court heard today (Thursday).

Jack Knowler, 19, of Cotswold View, Wickwar, pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates court to driving with a controlled drug – cannabis – above the specified limit in his body.

Prosecuting lawyer Matthew McCabe told the court: “It was 2.50am in the morning of March 22 when police on duty in a patrol car were refuelling at a garage in Quedgeley and saw a Renault Clio without headlights.”

Police followed the defendant a short distance and stopped him on Digby Green, Kingsway, the court was told.

“His eyes were glazed and officers could smell cannabis,” said Mr McCabe.

The defendant gave a positive drug-swipe test and was arrested and taken to the police station.

“A blood analysis revealed that he exceeded the specified limit for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol – cannabis – so he was subsequently charged,” said the lawyer.

Defending lawyer Andrew Hobson said: “Since the offence my client – who fully co-operated with police at the time – has cut down his cannabis use considerably.

“He lives in a rural area which only has one bus a day and he will find the inevitable driving ban very difficult.”

Magistrates banned Knowler from driving for 12 months, fined him £120 and ordered him to pay £85 prosecution costs.