A CHALE man has been banned from driving after testing positive for cocaine ­— registering more than two times the legal limit.

Daniel Stuart Farrell, 43, of Spanners Close, admitted to driving under the influence of cocaine at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

The court heard from prosecutor, Liz Miller, how Farrell had been driving his car at speed on Whitcombe Road on February 29.

At around 10.50pm, police had stopped Farrell in Newport, and noted a strong smell of cannabis emanating from his car.

When he was later tested, he actually registered as having 20 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood, when the legal limit is ten.

Oscar Vincent, defending, spoke of how it was an offence of some age, and how Farrell hadn't offended since.

He said Farrell had taken cocaine at a social gathering some time before, and was simply driving home from Newport­.

Mr Vincent said Farrell had no alcohol in his system, stopped straight away and was fully co-operative.

He said there was no police chase or dangerous driving involved.

Farrell ­— a self-employed painter and decorator ­— was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of £120, court costs of £85 and a £32 surcharge.