A CHEF has lost his driving licence due to drug driving — after smoking cannabis before getting behind the wheel.

Harry Blazeby, 24, of Bouldnor Mead, Shalfleet, admitted drug driving when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The court heard that on February 26, at Afton Road, Freshwater, Blazeby was driving while his blood contained 5.5 micrograms of cannabis per litre, exceeding the specified legal limit of 2.

Graham Heath, prosecuting, said police stopped the vehicle because they could see it was insured to a female driver, but it was clearly being driven by a male.

When stopped, Blazeby told police he had smoked cannabis earlier that day.

Blazeby, representing himself, disputed that he had been pulled over due to an insurance issue.

However, he admitted the offence and said he had lost his job as a chef and was keen to find work again, which would be compromised if he lost his driving licence.

Magistrates banned him from driving for the minimum recommended term of 12 months.

He was fined £120, with £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.