A CARLISLE drug-driver caught while using his dad’s car had learned “the hard way” that illegal substances stay in the bloodstream longer than people think.

That was the message given to university student Jamie Bone by a deputy district judge who sentenced him for offences which came to light in the city on Monday, July 3.

Prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court that two officers saw a Ford Focus ST close to the city centre.

It turned left left from Victoria Place on to Georgian Way and the vehicle’s driver was identified as 22-year-old Bone.

“They stopped the vehicle on Castle Way, smelled cannabis from the vehicle and conducted a road-side drug wipe,” said Mr Shelley.

This proved positive for cannabis, prompting police to arrest Bone and take him into custody.

A blood sample was provided and analysed. This showed the presence of both cocaine metabolite BZE and also the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis above the legal driving limit.

In court, Bone pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges.

Mitigation was advanced on his behalf by solicitor Ant Wilson.

“He is an intelligent young man, at university in his third year, who says: ‘I was out partying on the Friday night in Newcastle with friends’,” said Mr Wilson.

“He had driven to see his girlfriend, who lived in Carlisle at the time.”

Mr Wilson added: “It’s a real shame. He was a man of good character prior to this. He knows he has made a silly mistake. Thankfully no harm was caused to anyone else.

“He has brought his dad with him (to court) today. His dad is not very happy about this. He was driving dad’s car at the time.”

Bone, of Beaconsfield Avenue, Gateshead, was handed a £300 fine and banned from driving for 12 months.

Deputy district judge Anna Moran told him: “It seems to me you have learned the hard way that substances you should not have been taking anyway because they are illegal can stay in your system for longer than you think.”