Darren John Knott, 53, of Alexander Street, Eglinton, appeared before visiting magistrate McIntosh in Bathurst Local Court on June 17 charged with driving a vehicle with an illicit drug present in his blood (first offence).

Knott appeared in person and unrepresented.

The court heard that Knott was driving a Holden Commodore utility in George Street, Bathurst about 12.40pm on January 24 this year when he was stopped by police for a random drug and alcohol test.

Knott was asked to produce a driver's licence, which he did.

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The accused was subjected to a roadside breath test which produced a negative result before officers also conducted an oral fluid test which produced a positive detection to methamphetamine.

The accused was asked to get out of the vehicle and officers asked him if he used illegal drugs.

Knott told police he had last used methamphetamine about 70 hours prior to being pulled over while driving. He was arrested for a secondary oral fluid test.

Knott was taken to Bathurst police station where he was cautioned and asked a number of questions.

He provided an oral fluid for analysis which was tested at the station and recorded a negative result.

However, the remainder of the sample was sent for further testing at the Division of Analytical Laboratories and returned a positive result to methamphetamine and delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis).

Mr McIntosh convicted Knott, fined him $500 and disqualified him from driving for three months.