A DRUG-DRIVER from Hereford has been handed a hefty fine and a ban after he was caught behind the wheel of a Citroen C2 while over the limit on the A49.

Michael Patterson entered a guilty plea when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford last month.

Magistrates heard from the Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor Lauren Millichip that the 40-year-old had been caught on the A49 at Much Birch while over the limit on December 7 last year.

An evidential blood test looking for traces of cannabis revealed he had 4.6 microgrammes (mg) of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per 100 millilitres of blood. This exceeds the legal limit, which is two mg.

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Patterson, of Coppin Rise, Belmont, Hereford, was fined £266 and disqualified from driving for a year.

He must also pay costs of £135 and a £106 victim surcharge.

He was ordered to make the payment in full, including the fine, costs and surcharge, by May 15.