A driver has been stopped in Swindon with over 400 grams of cannabis in his car which he claims was for medicinal purposes.

Alexander Saunders, 31, from Carterton, Oxfordshire, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday, October 14 and pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and no indication to two counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

On October 11, two officers pulled Saunders over on the A419 after saying they saw him driving too close to other vehicles and manoeuvring dangerously into the inside lane.

However, when the officers stopped Saunders, they found 427 grams of cannabis in his car, worth £10,000, while different varieties of the Class B drug were packaged in large bags which he claims were not for dealing. 

They also found £300 in cash and later when officers searched his home, they found 1,145 wraps of cannabis, including edible sweets and a recipe on how to make them.

Read More: Man dies as minibus 'crashes into bus shelter' outside train station

Saunders has nine previous offences on his record – four of which were for intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

In mitigation, Saunders’ defence said it was not an “inconsiderable” amount of cannabis, but he smokes it to help deal with a plethora of symptoms after breaking his back in a mountain biking accident.

He also gave a full account to officers explaining his need for the different types of cannabis, saying the £300 in cash was to buy more the next time he needed it and it was easier for him to buy it in bulk “once in a blue moon” rather than frequently driving to Swindon.

Furthermore, officers did not find any further evidence of drug dealing such as messages or tick lists at his home.

Saunders was arrested on Saturday and said he plans to get cannabis prescribed for medicinal purposes, telling officers he was previously proud to work as a carpenter, but he is currently signed off due to his injury and hopes to return to work soon.

Read More: 'Disgusted' hotel guest finds 'stained bedding in two different rooms'

The Magistrate granted Saunders bail to attend a hospital appointment in November, telling him: “I’ve given you bail as an act of mercy.

“It’s a fair thing to do, I can tell you now I was very much thinking of refusing you bail.

“It’s incredibly important that you co-operate with your solicitors and I’ve given you the chance today.”

His next hearing will be at Swindon Crown Court on November 15.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app