Ecstasy and cannabis drug-driver advised to 'consider his lifestyle'

The Burnley bench was told Tyee Bond had no previous convictions, but had cautions for possession of drugs. Mrs Alex Mann, prosecuting, said: "It seems to be this that's always getting him in trouble."

Mrs Mann said police stopped and spoke to 26-year-old Bond at about 7.30pm because something was wrong with his registration plate. They noticed the smell of cannabis and his eyes were red.

Tests showed Bond had 4.7 microgrammes of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood - the specified limit is two - and 15 microgrammes of MDMA per litre of blood. The legal limit is 10.

Mr David Norman, defending, said Bond had been to a party the night before, had taken ecstasy, and later smoked a joint of cannabis.

The solicitor continued: "He doesn't think it's a problem that he has. When he started driving, he didn't think he would be over the limit."

Mr Norman told the hearing: "It wasn't a high reading and it's the first time in court for any offence whatsoever. He's ashamed of his actions and he knows he has been very stupid. He's a qualified tree surgeon, but finds it difficult to get any work."

Unemployed Bond, of Seldon Street in Colne, admitted two counts of driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit on Nineveh Street in Colne on April 1. He was fined £120, with a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs and was banned for 12 months.

The Bench chairwoman told the defendant the effects of drugs didn't miraculously disappear overnight. She went on: "I have to say to you you have to consider your lifestyle, perhaps."