A man who was found to be 16 times the drug-drive limit while driving in Newtown has been stripped of his licence for a year.

Harry John Watton, 29, of Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton, was driving on the A489, Llanidloes Road, on January 12, when he was found to have 800ug/l of a metabolite of cocaine in his blood; the limit being 50ug/l.

Watton was also found to have more than five times the limit of cocaine in his blood and to be driving without third party insurance.

Watton admitted the three charges at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, told the court that officers observed the defendant driving on the Trehafren Estate and that he was taken to the police station because of his “demeanour”.

The court heard that Watton had no previous convictions.

Watton, who defended himself, said that he agreed with that Mr Challinor had told the court.

“I was in the wrong,” he said.

“I’m ashamed of my actions.”

Magistrates gave Watton a 12-month driving ban. He was fined £80 for drug-driving and £120 for having no insurance. Together with court costs and victim surcharge, he was ordered to pay a total of £315.