Mansfield pot smoker gets second chance

Town magistrates were told how a policeman had to swerve his vehicle into a parked car to avoid colliding with Reece Rowbotham (21), of Chesterfield Road North, who he encountered on Albion Street on 12th October.

Ruth Snodin, prosecuting, told the court how police pursued Rowbotham and seized a small amount of cannabis along with a grinder containing some residue.

She said Rowbotham had admitted the cannabis was for his own personal use.

Amy Godson, defending, said: “Rowbotham’s motorbike tipped over and he ran off. The police dog was deployed at this stage.

“He was told to surrender himself and shouted, ‘stop the dog first.’”

Ms Godson said after being arrested, Rowbotham was asked if he had anything with him which could harm anyone.

He replied, ‘no, but I do have a spliff in my bag.’

“He is working full-time as a welder and at weekends repairing car parts,” said Ms Godson.

“He fully accepted he had no insurance documents for his vehicle.”

Rowbotham had committed the two offences while subject of a suspended prison sentence but magistrates decided not to re-activate the sentence as the offences were not connected.

He was fined £450, given a victim surcharge of £45, costs of £85 and six penalty points on his driving licence.