A drug-driver has been banned from the roads after he was found to be more than five times the limit for a cannabis metabolite.

Police stopped a Hyundai being driven by Karl Hurst, 29, on Salterbeck Road in Workington, on June 20, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Hurst was pulled over because he was driving above the speed limit.

It appeared that Hurst, of South Row, Whitehaven, was under the influence, so a drugs wipe was carried out, which was positive for cannabis.

A blood sample was later taken, which showed the defendant had 11mcg of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mcg.

John Cooper, defending, said: “There was no suggestion of any cars having to take action.

“It was an electric car. They do accelerate faster than older ones.

“It’s a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. He co-operated throughout.

“He realises he has been stupid.”

Hurst pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.

The defendant was banned from driving for 12 months. He was fined £120 and must pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

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