(Image: Newsquest)
A County Durham motorist who was found to be over legal limit of a cocaine by-product in his blood has been banned from driving for two years.
Alan Howard, 41, of Leazes Lane, St. Helen Auckland, Bishop Auckland, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on October 1, facing three road traffic offences.
Howard admitted driving a Mercedes Citan on Sunnyside Avenue, Shildon, on February 4, while Benzoylecgonine, a cocaine breakdown product, was recorded in his blood at a level above the legal limit.
Howard also pleaded guilty to using the vehicle without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
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For the drug driving offence, Howard was disqualified from driving for 24 months and fined £200.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in costs.
The court took his guilty pleas into account.
No further penalties or points were imposed for the other offences, but his driving record was endorsed.