A BUCKINGHAMSHIRE man was caught drug-driving while in Welshpool.

Gary Williams, 34, of Chandlers Court, Milton Keynes, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates Court.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Williams had been stopped in a Renault van on the A483 bypass in Welshpool last September.

He tested positive for both cannabis (2.5 milligrams, the legal limit being 2) and cocaine, 446 milligrams (the legal limit being 50), in his blood.

A report read out by Julian Davies of the probation service said Williams was employed as a delivery driver at the time but was struggling.

His driver's mate offered him some cocaine which he snorted from his hand, and then he had a spliff.

Mr Davies added: "He deeply regrets his actions and will never do anything like that again."

Williams, representing himself, told the court it was the first time he had ever taken drugs.

He added: "I'm deeply ashamed by what I did, I can't explain it."

Chair of the magistrates bench Stephen Pembroke gave Williams a 12 month community order, to carry out 50 hours of unpaid word.

He was also banned from driving for 18 months, and will pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.