A DELIVERY driver who was more than twice the cannabis limit told magistrates she had used the drug for more than 10 years to ‘self-medicate’.  

Amy Williamson, 32, was driving a Hyundai I30 on High Street in Cleator Moor on May 5.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said police received information that Williamson was driving while over the prescribed limit.

The defendant was stopped by police and breathalysed but this was negative. A drugs test was positive for cannabis.

Williamson was taken to the police station and a sample of blood was taken which showed she had 5.3mcg of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood. The specified limit is 2mcg.

Ms Fee said the defendant works as a delivery driver but it was not clear if she was working at the time of the incident.

The court heard that Williamson is a regular user of cannabis and uses her car to deliver for a local takeaway. 

Williamson, who was not legally represented, said: “I had been self-medicating for 10-plus years. I want people to know I haven’t just recklessly consumed and got in the car.

“I have gone back onto anti-depressants. I’ve got ADHD. I have referred myself to Recovery Steps. I’m aware I can’t just stop this on my own. It’s been that long.

“Going forward, every correct step is going to be made.”

Williamson, of Longcroft, Egremont, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month disqualification and fined Williamson £180. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.