Michael John Abbott, 43, appeared at Cowra Local Court on Wednesday on two charges of driving with illicit drugs in his system and driving with an unrestrained passenger.

He was convicted on the three charges.

His solicitor Nidal Abdi of the Aboriginal Legal Service told the court Abbott had benefited from completing the traffic offender intervention program.

“It really did hit home and drove home the importance of driver safety in relation to his own driving,” solicitor Nidal Abdi said.

“His understanding of how drugs got out of your system was about a period of two to three days.

“You can’t tell how long drugs stay in your system. It’s a choice of whether to drive or take drugs.

“If he suspects he does have drugs in his system it’s just not worth driving. Having a licence is something Mr Abbott was very proud of.”

Police facts reveal, when Abbott was stopped and drug tested by police on Liverpool Street about 1.05pm on April 15, both cannabis and methamphetamine was detected in his oral fluid.

Police also observed a passenger was not wearing a seat belt.

In relation to the positive drug test, Abbott told police “I had some ice three days ago and a couple of cones yesterday”.

Two months later, about 11.15am on June 12, police stopped Abbott on Lachlan Street and his oral fluid again returned a positive detection to methamphetamine.

He told police “I had some speed two days ago”.

Magistrate Michael O’Brien noted Abbott’s criminal history.

“Your criminal and traffic history don’t assist you but it’s never too late to see the light,” Magistrate O’Brien said.

“Do not attempt to drive during the disqualification period.”