A FRESHWATER man who crashed his car into a ditch while under the influence of cocaine and cannabis has been banned from the road.

Beau Henry Brown, of Hill Lane, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court last Friday (May 7).

The 30-year-old admitted driving while under the influence of cannabis and cocaine, on November 23 of last year.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court Brown had been driving his BMW at high speed at around 2am.

She said he passed a police vehicle, which began to follow him.

Ms Miller said he crashed into a ditch and was seen attempting to push his vehicle out when police arrived.

He tested positive for both cocaine and cannabis.

James Cameron, defending, said Brown accepted having both substances in his system, but claimed he had taken them the previous day.

He said Brown had pulled over to go to the toilet, but his car went too far and rolled into the ditch.

Mr Cameron said Brown, who works on a farm, had been struggling with his health.

Brown was given a 12-month community order to include 60 hours of unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.