A CARPENTER who took cocaine to help with his mental health has been banned from the roads.

Steven Bounds admitted drug-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police had spotted Bounds driving his Nissan in Kington's Victoria Road on the morning of December 19, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

He was pulled over for failing to wear a seat belt and was arrested after failing a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result for cocaine.

An evidential blood test taken in custody revealed he had 20 microgrammes of cocaine and more than 800 microgrammes of cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine per litre of blood. The legal limits are 10 and 50.

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Emily Gourley, for Bounds, said the 36-year-old had never been before the court before and had been taking his friend home when he was caught.

 

"No-one is more disappointed than he is today. He is obviously ashamed and embarrassed," she said.

"At the time he was suffering with mental health and taking antidepressants, and he turned to the drug to help him."

The court heard self-employed carpenter Bounds has lost his job as a result of the offence as he needs his driving licence in order to work.

"He has also taken steps to move back in with his parents as he will not be able to pay his rent," Mrs Gourley said.

Bounds, of Market Hall Street, Kington, was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £100. He must also pay costs of £100 and a £34 victim surcharge.