An unaccompanied learner driver was allegedly under the influence of a cocktail of illegal drugs and alcohol when he was pulled over near Nimbin in April.
Offices patrolling Kyogle Road at Mount Burrell, about 8.10 am on April 12 spotted Ryan Squire allegedly driving erratically and he was pulled over.
When police approached and spoke to Mr Squire, officers formed the opinion he was affected by drugs and possibly alcohol.
Enquiries by police revealed the 23 year-old was the holder of a learners permit and should have had a fully licensed supervising driver beside him.
A search of his car by police allegedly uncovered two small amounts of methamphetamine and heroin weighing less than one gram and a number of oxycodone tablets in the vehicle.
Mr Squire was arrested and taken to Nimbin police station where he underwent blood tests to determine what substances were in his system.
When test results were returned revealing Mr Squire had a cocktail of morphine, methamphetamine and diazepam, plus alcohol in his system, he was charged by police.
Mr Squire, who told police his address was the Nimbin Rocks Retreat at Goolmangar, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, being a learner driver not accompanied by a licensed driver and three counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
He was granted conditional bail and appeared at Lismore Local Court on November 20, where he represented himself.
On that day, Mr Squire entered guilty pleas to the three counts of possessing a prohibited drug and being an unaccompanied learner driver.
On Monday, Mr Squire again appeared at Lismore Local Court and was represented by Legal Aid.
Magistrate David Heilpern ordered Mr Squire to be assessed for the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment MERIT rehabilitation program.
He adjourned Mr Squire’s matters until January 15, when he is required to enter a plea to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Mr Squire remains free on conditional bail until that date.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
