Driving with marijuana and a child in the car has resulted in a fine for one motorist.
Andrew Hazeldean pleaded guilty to a single charge of drug possession in Bracebridge court on Tuesday, Oct. 3. He was arrested at around 9 p.m. on Aug. 18 during a RIDE spot check on Highway 118 East. Also in the car with him were a female passenger and a child.
Federal prosecutor Peter Heath said the officer who approached Hazeldean’s car smelled marijuana and raw cannabis from inside, and proceeded to question him about the odour.
“He admitted to having a joint in the car,” said Heath.
During a search of the vehicle, police uncovered 5.89 grams of marijuana.
Heath said the risk of impairment was “particularly troubling” given the presence of a young passenger. The court also heard that Hazeldean has had previous brushes with the criminal justice system.
In the end, Judge J.D. Evans sentenced Hazeldean to pay a $500 fine within nine days.