(Image: PA MEDIA)
A Bishop Auckland man has received a 40-month driving ban after admitting to drug driving and mobile phone use.
Tom Jardine, 30, of North End Gardens, Bishop Auckland, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on August 13.
The court was told, on November 4, 2025, Jardine drove a Ford Transit Tipper on the A6072 at Redworth with a blood Benzoylecgonine level of at least 191ug/L.
Jardine also admitted using a handheld mobile phone while driving the same vehicle on the same day.
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Jardine pleaded guilty to both offences. He received a 40-month disqualification from driving, a £200 fine, and was ordered to pay £85 in costs, as well as an £80 victim surcharge.
The court noted that the disqualification period was higher than the minimum, due to the use of a mobile phone as an aggravating factor.
A collection order was made for deductions from benefits.