Matthew James Raffaele was fined $400 and convicted of driving with an illicit drug present in his blood system, stemming from an incident in March last year.

The Tamworth Local Court heard Raffaele, who pleaded guilty, had considerably cut down his cannabis use.

Raffaele was driving a beige Toyota Corolla when it was seen to be travelling in an erratic manner along Ebsworth St before it turned into Denne St.

Police followed the vehicle and pulled over the car about 9.40pm.

According to police facts, “a strong smell of cannabis could be smelt being emitted from the vehicle via the driver’s side window”.

When questioned, Raffaele told officers he “had a few cones a few hours ago”. He was taken for blood and urine tests before being charged with one count of driving while under the influence.

Magistrate Roger Prowse slammed the local man, who was significantly “impaired” and affected by drugs while he was driving.

“You were completely and utterly off your face,” he said.

Raffaele was disqualified from driving for four months.