A CARLISLE dad has been told he must postpone any plans to move in with his partner after being given a night time curfew for drug-driving.

Darryl Lee, 35, was also handed a lengthy driving ban after committing two offences on June 6 this year.

This was while behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Transporter on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, near Carlisle.

George Shelley told the city’s magistrates’ court that Lee had been stopped by police just after 9am. Lee was spoken to and identified himself.

“He made comments to the effect that he was a user of cannabis,” said Mr Shelley.

Lee returned a positive roadside test for cannabis. Analysis of a blood sample was then also carried out. This showed the proportion of a cannabis psychoactive substance was just over the prescribed limit.

It also emerged the level of cocaine breakdown product benzoylecgonine (BZE) in his bloodstream had been almost five times the legal limit.

When Lee appeared at the magistrates’ court last month, he admitted two drug-driving charges.

His case had been adjourned for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report and, specifically, to see whether he was suitable to be the subject of an electronically monitored night time curfew.

At the resumed hearing today (fri), a probation officer confirmed this would be suitable at the defendant’s Prescott Road home in Carlisle. However, if Lee proceeded with plans to move in with his partner — with whom he has a young son — the curfew requirement would be opposed by the probation service.

“As long as he continues living in his current accommodation, he is suitable,” the officer confirmed.

“It would mean staying where you are living at the moment” the district judge, John Temperley, told Lee of that sentencing requirement. “It would delay any potential for you to move in with your partner.”

“One-hundred per cent,” said Lee.

Lee said he hadn’t worked since his last court appearance, when an interim driving ban was imposed. He did have employment available, he confirmed. “I’ve got to sort out transport to get there,” he said.

“Is that feasible?” asked District Judge Temperley.

“Yeah. I am going to have to insure my friend to drive,” responded Lee. When told he would receive a lengthy driving ban, he added: “I might have to stop working if I can’t get there.”

District Judge Temperley imposed a 12-week community order. The one requirement will be an electronically monitored night time curfew for that length of time.

Lee was also handed an 18-month driving ban and must pay £180 costs and surcharge.