A MOTORIST who was caught behind the wheel without a driving licence told a court he won't be able to drive once he has his leg amputated.

Wayne McCulloch, 42, was driving on the B5306 near Lillyhall, Workington, when he was stopped by police at 11.20am on April 27.

McCulloch admitted never having a driving licence, Workington Magistrates' Court heard.

Pam Ward, prosecuting, said he was searched and police found 14 Pregabalin tablets under the seat.

John Cooper, defending, said McCulloch believed that a family member had called the police following an argument with his dad. McCulloch had taken the car and driven off.

Mr Cooper said the defendant would be having his right leg amputated in the coming weeks and had been self-medicating with Pregabalin, to help with nerve pain.

McCulloch pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without third party insurance and possession of a Class C drug.

Passing sentence, lead magistrate Lynne Gauntlett told McCulloch that six penalty points would be added to his driving record.

She said: "There is a chance at some point in the future, even with your disability, you may want to apply for a driving licence."

The defendant replied, "I don't think you can drive with one leg."

McCulloch, of Rectory Square, Distington, was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.