A teenager from Castletown has been sentenced to community service and banned from driving for driving while under the influence of drugs.

Jamie Shaun Robinson, of Arbory Street, admitted using cannabis before he was stopped by police on June 2.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes banned the 18-year-old from driving for three years and ordered him to do 80 hours of community service.

The court heard that the offence pre-dated another similar offence for which Robinson had previously been ordered to pay a fine and costs of £1,375, of which £1,275 was still outstanding.

Mrs Hughes ordered that the fine be converted to 100 hours of community service, bringing the total order to 180 hours.

We previously reported how, at 6.25pm on June 2, police were called to an accident on the New Castletown Road, in Douglas.

Officers found the teenager’s car wedged between a lamppost and fence.

Robinson was said to have dilated pupils and be moving slowly.

He had a cannabis grinder in his possession and was asked had he been smoking the drug to which he replied ’yes’.

A blood sample was taken which produced a result of 46 micrograms of THC.

There is no legal limit in the Isle of Man but the UK limit is two micrograms which can be used for guidance.

In a police interview Robinson admitted crashing, saying he initially thought he was okay to drive.

But he conceded that he had clearly been affected by the cannabis.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said that the offence occurred not long after his client’s 18th birthday.

Difficulties

Mr Wood referred to a probation report which said that there had been a ’great deal of disruption’ in Robinson’s life.

’He has been living on his own without a great deal of support and guidance,’ said the advocate.

’It’s clear there have been difficulties and it’s led to increased cannabis use.

’He is a young man who has realised it is a problem that exists and he has sought to address the issue.’

Mr Wood added: ’Since meeting probation he tells me he has stopped using cannabis which is a positive factor.

’The defendant contacted police himself at the scene of the accident.

’Perhaps more by luck than judgement no one was injured.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered that Robinson retake his test at the end of his ban.

He must also pay £125 prosecution costs.