A ‘NERVOUS’ drug-driver stopped by police told officers he had taken cocaine on his stag do.

Police noticed a black Mercedes vehicle being driven by Tom Anderson, 36, in Workington on September 22 last year.

Checks showed the vehicle was not taxed and Anderson was stopped on Casson Road. He identified himself and ‘appeared to be nervous’, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said police suspected Anderson may be under the influence of drugs. He provided a sample of saliva which gave a positive indication for cocaine.

Anderson told police, ‘I only had some on my stag do last week’.

A blood sample taken in custody showed the defendant had 14mcg of cocaine per lire of blood. The specified limit is 10mcg.

Anderson, who was not legally represented, said: “I have learned my lesson. I was going through a difficult time.

“I’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition. It’s kind of stupid to do what I did. I’m on the mend now.

“I used it as a scapegoat over that weekend to try and cheer myself up.”

Anderson, of Richmond Croft, Workington, pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.

Magistrates banned Anderson from driving for 12 months. The defendant was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.