A DRUG-DRIVER who had taken cocaine two days before getting behind the wheel told magistrates it was ‘just a bit of recreational stuff’.

Marc Norman, 39, was stopped by police while driving a Ford Transit van on the A595 in Egremont on November 20 last year, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the vehicle was stopped due to having a defective brake light. A roadside drugs test was carried out which gave a positive indication for cocaine.

The defendant was arrested and taken to the police station. A blood sample showed Norman had 495mcg of Benzoylecgonine – the body breakdown product for cocaine – per litre of blood. The specified limit is 50mcg.

Norman, who was not legally represented, said: “It was something I took on a Saturday night. I didn’t realise it was still in my system on Monday.

“I have just started my own business – it’s a groundworks business.

“I’m really sorry. It won’t be happening again. It’s just a bit of recreational stuff I have done. I’m a hard-working lad. I have always worked. I coach kids’ football. I give back to the community.”

Norman, of Main Road, High Harrington, Workington, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a specified controlled drug over the specified limit.

Magistrates banned the defendant from driving for 12 months. Norman was fined £369 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £148 victim surcharge.