A Pahiatua man who said he used the cannabis in his possession to ease toothache did his best to evade police during a pursuit.

Robert Wayne Mandrell led police on a chase around the town before pulling over and trying to eat the evidence, the Palmerston North District Court heard yesterday.

Police spotted Mandrell driving along Main St, Pahiatua on June 18.

When he saw them, the unemployed 57-year-old sped away and kept accelerating, reaching speeds of 130 kmh.

After flying along Pahiatua-Pongaroa Rd he pulled over.

“When [police] spoke to him they noticed a white lump protruding from the left side of his mouth,” a police summary says.

“When questioned about the lump Mandrell denied having anything in his mouth.

“Police looked closely and saw tissue with cannabis plant material in it stuffed in the side of his check.”

Mandrell was told to spit the tissue out, but despite his cheek bulging, he denied having anything in his mouth.

He then became aggressive and spat the cannabis out on to the seat next to him, but then scooped it up and swallowed it.

Later Mandrell said he ‘‘didn’t know anything about any drugs’’ and had been advised by a lawyer not to comment.

Defence lawyer Susanthi Angampally said this was Mandrell’s first conviction since 2006.

‘‘He said he was using cannabis to ease his toothache,’’ she said.

Mandrell also thought the officers were ‘‘a bit aggressive’’ toward him.

Judge Les Atkins said Mandrell’s behaviour was ‘‘pretty silly’’ and sentenced him to 120 hours’ community work.

- © Fairfax NZ News