A HEMP user has appeared in court after claiming a legally purchased CBD product caused him to test positive for an illegal drug.

Daren Bradbury, 54, from Seven Steps Road in Sageston, told police he had taken cannabidiol (CBD), a substance derived from the hemp plant and sold legally in the UK. However, blood tests revealed that he had 2.3 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system — just over the legal limit of 2mcg.

THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes intoxication and remains a controlled substance under UK law.

“He received the CBD from the internet, believing it didn’t contain THC,” said Bradbury’s solicitor, Michael Kelleher, when the case was heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“He handed the packet to the police and was surprised that the test came back positive — albeit only 0.3mcg over the limit.”

Bradbury was stopped by officers on December 4 while driving on the A477 at Milton. A roadside test proved positive, and subsequent analysis confirmed the presence of THC.

He pleaded guilty to the drug driving offence, but Mr Kelleher requested an adjournment to gather further evidence from the CBD supplier.

“We would like to raise a ‘special reasons’ argument as to why the defendant should not be disqualified from driving,” he said. “We hope to obtain proof from the vendor that the CBD should not have contained THC, as the defendant believed it was perfectly legal.”

Mr Kelleher added that CBD products can be legally purchased both online and in pharmacies.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until May 1.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandad.

Tommy Davies, 26, is alleged to have assaulted Brian Johnson outside his home on Pill Road, Milford Haven, on June 20, 2024.

The Crown alleges that following an argument, Davies pushed the pensioner, causing him to fall and hit his head on a kerb. Mr Johnson reportedly sustained a haematoma and abrasions to his head, which required hospital treatment.

Davies appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court heard the incident occurred when Mr Johnson visited the defendant’s home to collect a pram.

“He became aggressive,” Davies told the court. “He was in my face, and when he raised his fist, I pushed him off. He then fell over.”

Davies was granted conditional bail ahead of a trial scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 19.

He must not contact Mr Johnson or Mrs Julie Johnson and must not enter Hubberston while on bail.

DESPITE repeated calls with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) following the discovery of Class A cocaine in his system, a Haverfordwest man was fined this week after failing to attend an initial support assessment.

Matthew Whelton, 55, of Augustine Way, Haverfordwest, was due to attend the DDAS assessment on February 20 but failed to show up.

“When spoken to by officers about the reasons for his failure to attend, he told them he was all f***** up in his head,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, after Whelton pleaded guilty to the offence.

Defence solicitor Michael Kelleher said Whelton had become confused due to the process.

“This is a new system used by the police,” he explained. “When arrested, the defendant was asked to provide a sample which was analysed. If drugs are found, the individual is referred to DDAS for an initial appointment.

“The defendant had several conversations with DDAS, discussed his situation, and was offered a couple of appointments. However, time lapsed and he became very confused about what was going on.”

Magistrates fined Whelton £80 and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.