A VISITING motorist who came to Powys to buy a new work van ended up being banned from driving for three years.

Nathan John Ferrier was visiting the Llandrindod Wells area on January 22 this year looking to buy a works van, when he was pulled over by police officers and found to be driving with cocaine in his system.

The 28-year-old, who received a driving ban in 2016 for a similar offence, was disqualified for a mandatory three years by magistrates sitting in Llandrindod on Wednesday, July 21, after admitting drug driving.

Ferrier had travelled from his Cricket Grove home in Hundleton, Pembrokeshire, when his Volkswagen Golf was pulled over by Sergeant Matthew Thomas, said prosecutor Stephen Davies.

“It was around 1.10pm when Sgt Thomas was on duty and stopped a blue VW Golf,” said Mr Davies.

“He spoke to the defendant, who he believed may be under the influence of drugs due to his demeanour and behaviour. A roadside drug swipe proved positive and further tests at the police station were taken, with lab results finding benzoylecgonine (a compound of cocaine) in his blood.

“He has previous similar convictions from 2016 for drug and drink driving.”

The offence occurred on Wellington Road, with Mr Davies revealing the amount of benzoylecgonine in Ferrier’s blood to be 152 micrograms per one litre of blood – exceeding the specified limit of 50mcgs.

Gareth Walters, acting for landscaper Ferrier, said: “He had taken cocaine the night before.

“He was looking to view a new works vehicle in area. He felt he was safe to drive but accepts the drug was in his system.

“There were no aggravating features, there was no element of bad driving, although the aggravating factor is his previous convictions. I ask you to keep a ban to three years.

“He is a landscaper, he is not sure he’ll be able to keep his job, he hopes he will, and his employer knows he’s here today. He has not driven here today.”

Chair of the bench, Ingrid Gallagher, said: “It is disappointing to know this is the second time in 10 years you have driven with substances in your body. This behaviour is now coming home to roost.”

Magistrates fined Ferrier £190 and he must pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.