A MAN who took cocaine for the first time at a house party was found to be four times over the drug driving limit two days later, a court heard.

Richard May, 26, of Ashperton, Ledbury, pleaded guilty to drug driving at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting, said that on October 13, May was seen by police while driving on his mobile phone on Roman Road, Hereford, leading to him being pulled over and tested.

When tested May gave a reading of 238 micrograms of benzoylecgonine per litre of blood, the legal limit for the main metabolite of cocaine is 50.

Adrian Roberts, mitigating, said the impending driving disqualification would be 'crippling' to May's career as a self-employed tree surgeon.

"It is out of character for him and he has never taken cocaine before," added Mr Roberts.

"He went to a friends house for a party two days before the arrest and had a few drinks. Other people arrived and persuaded him to try cocaine for the first time.

"He rubbed it into his gums and the following morning felt extremely ashamed and disappointed in what he had done.

"It has haunted him ever since."

Mr Roberts said that May didn't drive the day after the party but felt fine to work the following day, he was arrested at 4pm.

"His mother sent him a message about his ill grandfather and instead of waiting he flicked his phone open," added Mr Roberts.

May was disqualified from driving for 12 months, ordered to pay a £110 fine, £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.