AN AGENCY worker was caught drug-driving after police spotted a problem with his number plate.

Krzysztof Pukowiec, of Stanberrow Road, Hereford, admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Prosecutor Jim Mason said police had seen him driving a black Range Rover on Bridge Street in Hereford on April 9.

“There was nothing unusual about his driving, but police were concerned about his registration plate,” Mr Mason said.

The court heard officers became concerned the 42-year-old was under the influence of drugs after stopping him, and he was arrested after failing a drug test.

A blood test revealed he had 6.7 microgrammes of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood. The legal limit is two.

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Emma Thorne, for Pukowiec, said there had been no concerns about Pukowiec’s driving as he headed to Tesco to buy food,

“He tells me he smoked cannabis on a regular basis as pain relief,” Mrs Thorne said.

“He has kidney stones and was due to receive hospital treatment, but his appointment was cancelled due to coronavirus and he is still waiting.”

The court heard disqualification would make it difficult for Pukowiec, who is currently working on an agency basis at M&M Direct’s warehouse in Moreton-on-Lugg, to continue working.

Pukowiec was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £200. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £32 victim surcharge.