A £36,000-a-year self-employed car dealer who gave police a false name stands to lose his business for driving after smoking cannabis.
Steven Cowan, 29, found himself on the end of a 12-month driving ban after providing a positive test sample to police in Gateshead.
His solicitor told magistrates Cowan would not be able to get business insurance due to his conviction and no-one else could be hired.
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Prosecutor Lillian Yanes Hellevik said he was seen driving his BMW on the A1 dual carriageway by police at night on Saturday, February 27.
They tailed him to a carwash at Derwenthaugh Industrial Estate, Swalwell, Gateshead, where they could smell cannabis from an open door.
Mrs Yanes Hellevik said: “Officers were called to an area of the A1, in relation to a black BMW that was being followed by other officers at 10.15pm.
“The BMW drove into the carwash and came to a natural stop, and the officers followed and spoke to the driver.
“He initially identified himself as Steven Smith. His eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the inside of the vehicle.
“A roadside drugs swipe was positive for cannabis. He was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a small amount of cannabis.”
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Cowan gave a sample showing 2.4mcgs of cannabis breakdown product THC per litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mcgs.
Cowan, of Second Avenue, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and possession of class C cannabis.
Alaister Naismith, defending, said: “In terms of possession of cannabis, it’s a small amount for personal use.
“There were admissions in interview and he has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity today.
“In terms of the driving offence, the drugs test was 2.4mcgs, so 0.4mcgs over the legal limit.
“He accepts that being an illegal substance, he doesn’t have the leniency that possibly a drink-driver would have.
“He’s a self-employed auto trader, he will lose his employment because he will lose his business insurance.”
Cowan, who told the court he earned an average of £3,000 a month, was also fined £807, with £85 court costs and an £81 victim surcharge.
After being sentenced, he told magistrates: “It’s bad for just 0.4. I’ve lost my life and everything.”
