A PLUMBER caught drug driving his BMW M Sport car with more than twice the legal level of cannabis in his bloodstream, was banned from driving by Isle of Wight magistrates.

Conor Broome, of Grange Road, Shanklin, admitted drug driving on October 4 last year, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (February 6).

The 25-year-old was heading along Brading Road in Ryde towards Sandown when police pulled him over, suspecting him of speeding, for which he was not charged.

Officers questioning Broome smelt cannabis on him and he immediately confessed he had smoked a 'spliff' that day, said Liz Miller, prosecuting.

Broome subsequently failed a roadside drugs test, was arrested and taken to Newport Police Station, where he provided a blood sample.

His reading was 5.2 ug/L of the cannabis derivative THC. The legal drug-drive limit is 2.

For Broome, with no previous convictions, Oscar Vincent said his client was recently made redundant, with no realistic prospect of work as a plumber without his licence.

Broome disputed he had driven too fast, Mr Vincent added.

When sentencing Broome, presiding magistrate, Paul Gane, said: "Driving and drug taking doesn't work together. It can cause serious consequences."

Broome was fined £120, with £85 costs and a £48 surcharge, together with a 12-month driving disqualification.