Disqualified driver caught driving under influence of cannabis on A370 sentenced
A man who was caught driving while disqualified, uninsured and under the influence of cannabis has been sentenced in court.
Adam Baker (pictured), 27, of Kingsway Avenue, Kingswood appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 November after admitting a series of driving and drug offences.
Officers were alerted to Baker’s BMW 1 Series travelling on A370 heading out of Bristol towards Backwell on Monday 6 April 2026, after intelligence indicated it may have been being driven by a disqualified driver.
The vehicle was located and stopped after it pulled into a petrol station near Backwell.
Baker was identified as the driver and officers established he was travelling with family members, including young children, in the vehicle.
Due to concerns he may have been under the influence of drugs, officers carried out a roadside drug test, which indicated the presence of cannabis. He was subsequently arrested.
Further checks confirmed Baker was disqualified from driving and did not have insurance. During a search, officers also found a quantity of cannabis in his possession.
Baker was arrested and later charged with:
- Driving with a specified controlled drug above the legal limit
- Driving while disqualified
- Driving without insurance
- Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Possession of a Class B drug
Baker pleaded guilty to driving with a specified controlled drug above the legal limit, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. The charge of possession of a Class B drug was withdrawn.
He was sentenced to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and was disqualified from driving for 36 months.
PC Ben Tucker, of the local response policing team, said:
“Baker made the deliberate decision to get behind the wheel despite being disqualified from driving and whilst over the legal limit for cannabis. In doing so, he placed not only himself, but also his passengers, including young children, and other road users at significant risk.
“We remain committed to identifying and removing dangerous drivers from our roads. This case demonstrates the value of intelligence-led policing and the proactive tactics we use to target those who choose to disregard the law.
“The A370 has seen the devastating consequences of serious and fatal collisions, with lives changed forever. Every impaired driver taken off the road is a potential tragedy prevented and could ultimately save a life.”