A DRUG-DRIVER who had taken cocaine handed over a snap bag of the drug after being pulled over by the police.

Scott McTear, 37, was stopped by officers while driving a Renault Megane on Ewanrigg Road in Maryport on the evening of February 16, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant was asked if he had any drugs in the vehicle and he had replied, ‘yes - cocaine’. He then handed over a snap bag of the drug.

McTear gave a positive result for cocaine on a drugs wipe and was taken to the police station. A sample of blood showed he had 16mcg of cocaine per litre of blood. The specified limit is 10mcg.

The defendant, who was not legally represented, had nothing to say about the offences.

He pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit and possessing a Class A drug – cocaine.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month driving ban and a £1,127 fine. McTear, of Steer Avenue, Maryport, must also pay £85 costs and a £300 victim surcharge.

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