Brendan Robert James Simpson, 31, of Nash Street, Coonamble, was represented by solicitor Nidal Abdi when he appeared in court on the drug driving charge on Monday.

Simpson had been driving a silver Honda along McLachlan Street at 9.30pm when he was stopped by police for a random breath and drug test. 

Although he passed the alcohol test he tested positive to methamphetamine in the drug test so was arrested and taken to Orange Police Station for secondary testing.

According to police facts, Simpson said at the police station, "I haven't touched ice for years".

Mr Abdi also backed up the statement in court on Monday.

“Mr Simpson could not recall how long it has been,” he said. 

Mr Abdi also requested the minimum disqualification period saying his client was a mobile hairdresser.

“That is his need for a car right now, that’s his concern about what a lack of employment might have on him,” Mr Abdi said.

“Mr Simpson was just driving through Orange, he does reside in Coonamble.” 

It was the second time Simpson had been charged with drug driving so magistrate Terry Lucas gave him a harsher sentence of a $1000 fine and a six-month driving disqualification.

Mr Lucas accepted Simpson’s explanation that he had not used methamphetamine recently.

“With his explanation, “I haven’t touched it for years,” I’ve been advised it can stay in your system for five years,” Mr Lucas said.