Jack Tweed, the widower of "Big Brother" star Jade Goody, has been banned from driving for one year after being found to be three times over the legal cannabis limit. Tweed, 39, admitted to driving his VW Golf on December 6 while under the influence of the drug.
During a court appearance, Tweed explained that he had taken cannabis to help manage depression and anxiety stemming from life traumas, and to aid his sleep. Prosecutor Rebecca Debenham stated that police stopped Tweed in an unmarked car in Writtle, Essex, and detected the potential presence of cannabis in the vehicle. A subsequent test revealed Tweed had 5.6mcgs of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per litre of blood, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 2mcgs.
Tweed pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. His defense, presented without a solicitor, included an apology and an explanation of his struggles with sleep, depression, and anxiety. He noted that he had begun seeking alternative methods for sleep since being stopped. Tweed, who works as a self-employed electrician, expressed concern that a driving ban would negatively impact his ability to maintain his livelihood, earning approximately £3,000 per month.
Magistrates acknowledged Tweed's personal circumstances, including his anxiety and depression, and his financial situation, which involves rent payments but no children or significant debts. Presiding magistrate Andrew McGregor informed Tweed of the statutory disqualification for drug-driving offenses, imposing the 12-month ban. Tweed was also fined £692, with a £277 surcharge and £85 in costs, totaling £1,054.
This incident adds to Tweed's history, which includes seven previous convictions for 14 offenses, including a driving with excess alcohol charge in 2007. He has also served jail time for past violent offenses, including an assault with a golf club in 2008 and assaulting a taxi driver.
Jade Goody, known for her appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother," met Tweed in 2005. They married a month before her death from cervical cancer at age 27 in March 2009. Tweed has continued to honor Goody's memory, sharing photos of them together and fundraising for cancer charities. Her public battle with cancer significantly raised awareness and prompted numerous calls to Cancer Research UK.