Louth factory worker to put family ahead of ‘toxic’ friends after third drug-driving ban

A factory worker has vowed to turn his life around after his third drug-driving ban.

Magistrates were told the birth of 21-year-old Thomas Smith’s first child had convinced him to turn his back on ’toxic’ friends to concentrate on his family.

Police stopped Smith’s BMW on Keeling Street, North Somercotes just after midnight on November 10, prosecutor Lottie Tyler explained.

“He was recognised by police after being banned for drug-driving previously,” she said.

“He had been with his girlfriend to Skegness and was on his way home.”

The defendant, of Fotherby Road, Little Grimsby, Louth, was found to have cannabis in his system, giving a reading of 3.7 micrograms per litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mcg.

The court was told he had received previous drug-driving convictions in both February and August of 2023.

In defence, Mike Alexander said his client takes ‘full responsibility his actions, and regrets his actions’ but added he seemed ‘quite easily led’.

A statement from Smith to Boston magistrates on Wednesday (March 12), was read out by Mr Alexander.

It said the defendant was suffering with mental health problems and had fallen into ‘toxic influences’ of people he believed to be his friends and had taken drugs to fit in.

Mr Alexander added Smith had now left this friendship group but, at the time, felt ‘threatened’ by them.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a probation report but told Smith he faces a minimum 36-months driving ban.

He was also handed an interim disqualification to run until his hearing on April 2.