An Isle of Wight man has been handed a driving ban after he was found at the wheel of his vehicle five times over the legal drug limit.

Richard Stevenson, of George Street, Ryde, pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis, and drug driving at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 10.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 47-year-old was stopped by police in his Ford Transit van on Station Road in Wootton at 2.25pm on April 19.

Ms Stone told the court Stevenson admitted to police that he had smoked cannabis before driving, and he was arrested following a positive roadside DrugWipe test, which showed he was five times over the limit.

Police searched Stevenson’s bag and found more cannabis, which he told police he used for his own personal use, the prosecution said.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said his client accepts that five and a half years ago, he was using cannabis due to back problems, as his medication was not strong enough.

Mr McGoldrick told the court Stevenson has not smoked cannabis since his arrest and has returned to his GP to seek a stronger dose of medication.

Stevenson was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pay a £300 fine, £120 surcharge and £85 in costs.