A BUSINESSMAN who failed to turn up to a drug driving trial has had his licence revoked for more than three years.

Jake Musson had traces of cannabis in his system when he was stopped by police for driving his Volvo at 50mph in a 30mph zone, a court heard.

There was a passenger in the front seat at the time of the offence.

Officers asked Musson to complete a drug test and found there were 6.3mcg of tetrahydrocannabinol in his sample – more than three times the legal limit.

Limit – Jake Musson had been driving 50mph in a 30mph zoneLimit – Jake Musson had been driving 50mph in a 30mph zone (Image: Pixabay)

Musson originally denied one charge of drug driving and the case went to trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, but he failed to turn up and magistrates found the defendant guilty in his absence.

On Thursday, Musson’s barrister Catha MacPartholán offered a robust defence and argued the defendant’s business and employees would suffer were the defendant to lose his driving licence.

Chair of the bench Martin Lutchfield pointed out that Musson, 25, had previously served a driving ban for the same offence in 2020.

He said: “There isn’t a lot going in his favour, to be honest, other than the fact that he employs people.

“From where we sit here, Musson is 25, running his own company, employing people and I wish him the best of luck and that his business succeeds.

“But this is the second time he has driven whilst over the drug driving limit.

“He has not come to court for his trial.

“This is the second time within a three-year period you have driven a vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug in your system over the limit.”

He continued: “You are not charged with speeding but the standard of driving was not benign – it is serious enough for a community order.”

Absent – Jake Musson was not in court for his trial but he attended Colchester Magistrates' Court for his sentencing last ThursdayAbsent – Jake Musson was not in court for his trial but he attended Colchester Magistrates' Court for his sentencing last Thursday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Musson, of Kelvedon High Street, was given a 38-month driving ban and must pay a £1,880 fine.

Mr Lutchfield added: “This would have been much easier and cheaper for you had you come to court and faced justice at the earliest opportunity – you have not complied with the system.

“We will disqualify you from driving for 38 months – the minimum is 36 but you get two months extra for the poor standard of driving.”