A drug-driver without a driving licence was on his way to buy a Red Bull for his diabetic partner who had suffered a seizure, a court heard.

Officers stopped a Vauxhall Astra being driven by Darren Frazer, 39, on the A66 at Cockermouth on March 20, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said police had cause to speak to Frazer, of Minster Close, Workington, who appeared 'nervous' in the officers’ presence.

It became apparent that Frazer was the holder of an expired provisional driving licence. Police discovered a small amount of cannabis in the car.

Frazer was taken to custody in Workington and a drugs test was carried out. He gave a reading of 2.8mcg of  Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol per litre of blood. The limit is 2mcg.

Frazer, who was unrepresented, told magistrates that his partner is type one diabetic and was having a seizure.

He said he was taking her to the petrol station to get a Red Bull to raise her blood sugar levels. He said he had used cannabis the night before.

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“It was just an impulsive thing I did,” he told the court. “I understand I have done wrong. I just want to put the matter behind me and move on with my future.”

Frazer said he had been due to start a new job at Sellafield on the day he was in court – but his supervisor had given him the day off to attend the hearing.

The defendant pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit, using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance and possessing a controlled drug of Class B – Cannabis.

Magistrates banned Frazer from driving for three years. He was fined £711 and must pay £85 costs and a £71 victim surcharge.

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