A MAN has been fined and banned from the road after admitting to drug driving.

Marcus Dylan Duffell, of Bridge Street, Llanfyllin, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Duffell had been stopped by police in Llanfyllin while driving his Renault Megane on June 10.

Officers noticed his eyes were glazed but there was no smell of alcohol.

A drug swipe subsequently tested positive for cocaine, with 123 microgrammes per litre of blood.

Paul Inns, defending, said Duffell had taken the drug a few days earlier.

He said: “There was nothing to suggest anything untoward in the manner of his driving, police were doing spot-checks on the day in question.

“He felt fine. He had taken cocaine two days beforehand but it stays in the system. He will now have to rely on what little public transport there is between Llanfyllin and Welshpool.”

Chair of the magistrates bench Stephen Pembroke gave Duffell a £230 fine and banned him from driving for 12 months. He will also pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.