A carer ran off after police officers stopped his motorcycle in Newtown when they suspected him of drug driving, a court heard.

Manie Lewis, of Kerry, near Newtown, admitted smoking weed the previous day but was “surprised as anybody” to find out that he still had cannabis in his system.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard that officers spoke to Lewis, who was driving a Motorini GP 125, while on patrol in Kerry Road just before 6.30pm on August 11, 2021 when they believed he was under the influence of drugs.

Lewis admitted driving a vehicle while above the legal drug limit when he appeared in court on Tuesday, January 18.

The 24-year-old was arrested after giving a positive result for Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol – the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and what is tested for – in his blood. Lewis had seven micrograms, when the legal limit for cannabis while driving is 2mcgs.

Paul Inns, defending, told the court that Lewis felt fine to drive at the time. He added that Lewis had taken on the role of carer for his mum after losing his job during the coronavirus lockdown.

In a statement read out in court, his mother said a driving ban would have a “detrimental effect” on his role as a carer.

Lewis, of East View, Kerry, was banned from driving any motor vehicle for 12 months, and was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Lewis thanked the magistrates’ bench as he left the dock.