A WOMAN who smoked a joint two days before being stopped by police has been convicted and fined for driving with an illicit substance in her system.
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Anne Marie Bates, 56, of McPhillamy Avenue, failed to appear before Magistrate Catherine Follent and the matter was dealt with in her absence.
Solicitor Mr Gration, from the Aboriginal Legal Service, said it was the first time the matter was listed and sought a two-week adjournment, but Ms Follent was not prepared to do so.
Mr Gration then sought leave to withdraw, which was granted.
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND BATHURST:
The police facts said Bates' vehicle was stopped by police for the purpose of a random breath and drug test on the Great Western Highway at 5.06pm on September 9 last year.
The court heard the breath test produced a negative result and Bates was then given an oral fluid test, which produced a positive detection to cannabis.
Bates was arrested and taken to Bathurst Police Station for the purpose of an oral fluid test, where she was cautioned and asked a number of questions.
She then provided a sample of oral fluid sufficient for analysis.
The sample was tested in the Drager Drug Test, which produced a positive result to cannabis.
The remainder of the sample was placed in a sealed vial in Bates' presence and sent for analysis at the NSW Forensic and Analytical Science Service at Lidcombe.
In relation to taking drugs, Bates told police she had smoked a joint two days ago, according to the police facts before the court.
In sentencing, Ms Follent read the facts sheet and said the offence fell just below the mid point range of seriousness.
She said Bates came to the attention of police through a random breath test, and made full admissions to smoking a joint two days earlier after returning a positive test to cannabis.
She noted Bates' lengthy criminal history, and poor traffic record, and convicted and fined Bates $1000, disqualifying her from driving for six months.