Part-time Uber driver banned after drug driving on M4

An Uber driver's erratic motorway journey ended in a courtroom this week, after he was caught driving under the influence of cannabis.

Oshane Samuels, 35, pleaded guilty to the offence at Swindon Magistrates' Court.

On 20 November 2023, Samuels was reported for erratic driving on the M4, prompting police intervention. Driving a Toyota Prius between Junctions 14 and 15, he was observed veering across lanes and eventually pulling over on the hard shoulder.

Prosecutor Tom Power detailed how police detected the smell of cannabis upon stopping Samuels.

According to the Swindon Advertiser, Power said the driver “looked tired, had bloodshot eyes, and kept falling asleep in the (police) car".

Tests later confirmed a Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol level of 6.2 micrograms per litre in his blood, surpassing the legal limit.

In his defence, Samuels, who represented himself, claimed he had consumed cannabis at a social gathering four days prior to his arrest. He cited financial struggles as the reason for his part-time role with Uber, stating his main job did not provide sufficient income.

The court handed down a 12-month driving suspension and a £542 fine to Samuels. Additional costs include £85 for court fees and £217 to support victim services, rounding out a significant penalty for the London-based driver.