A CANNABIS user failed to learn lessons from past driving bans within the past ten years by drug driving in a Vauxhall Pizarro on the Isle of Wight. 

Lance Hopewell, of Main Road, Chillerton, admitted drug driving in Newport on July 15, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Police in Trafalgar Road stopped Hopewell on suspicion of drug driving, from information received, said Lauren Stone, prosecuting.

Hopewell was arrested after he failed a roadside drugs test for cannabis. A blood sample revealed he had 6.6 microgrammes of the drug in his bloodstream. The legal limit is 2.0.

Hopewell's criminal record includes driving bans for failing to provide a drink-drive specimen in 2013, and drink-driving in 2017.

For Hopewell, Barry Arnett said the offences caused upset to Hopewell's partner and said: "He's devastated he caused grief, for which he's terribly sorry." 

When asked by magistrates to explain himself, Hopewell said: "If I'd known it was in my system, I'd never have set foot in the car."

Hopewell was banned for three years and fined £120, with £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.