Man pleads guilty to drug-driving & possessing cannabis & cocaine

A man caught driving a van with numerous dangerous faults was also under the influence of drugs, a court’s heard.

James David Luton of Agneash in Laxey appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

The 36 year old pleaded guilty to drug-driving, having a vehicle in a dangerous condition and possessing cannabis on August 4, and possessing cocaine on November 26.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the hearing police stopped Luton on the Creg ny Baa Back Road at around 11.20pm because they could smell cannabis as they followed him on patrol.

He failed a roadside drugs test and later turned out to be more than four times the legal limit.

When experts examined his Ford Transit, they discovered 11 faults, including problems with lights, windscreen washers, clutch pedal and brakes.

Luton was arrested again after police saw him acting suspiciously in a lane outside 1886 Bar and Grill on Regent Street in Douglas, and he had £60 worth of cocaine with him.

Magistrates bailed him in the sum of £500 to appear again for sentencing on March 23.