Scooter manhad takencannabis

Jody Parke (20), of Woodvale Park, was detected by police in Coleraine on July 14 last year, Coleraine Magistrates Court heard.

Parke admitted charges of dangerous driving; driving whilst unfit due to drugs and possessing cannabis.

A prosecutor said police saw a scooter being driven erratically at Bannfield Road and in excess of the 30mph speed limit. It was weaving in and out overtaking and under-taking and police, in an un-marked car, followed.

The scooter breached an amber light at a pedestrian crossing and when police activated their lights, the scooter sped off and again weaved in and out of traffic at Union Street before being stopped at Bushmills Road.

Parke attempted to hide what appeared to be a home made bong under the seat of the scooter. His pupils were dilated and police believed he was under the influence of cannabis.

After a search they found a bag of herbal cannabis and at the police station a blood sample showed cannabis was present in his system.

Defence barrister Francis Rafferty said his client is a hotel chef and was using cannabis to deal with problems but that since the incident had sought medical help and has avoided using the drug.

Parke was banned from driving for 15 months and fined £500.