An Isle of Wight drug driver more than twice over the specified limit for a derivative of cocaine has been banned from the roads.

Chris Hayles, of Colwell Chine Road, Freshwater, went before magistrates on Friday, May 3.

He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and driving a vehicle while over the specified drug limit.

On November 30 last year, Hayles, 33, was spotted by an on-duty police officer travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa at around 10.30am.

The officer stopped the vehicle on Carisbrooke High Street.

Court heard how Hayles was unsteady on his feet, his face pale and his eyes appeared glazed.

He told the officer he had had some cannabis but was found to be below the specified limit. A small amount of the drug was seized from the vehicle.

A blood test later found Hayles had 129mg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a derivative of  cocaine, in his system. The specified limit is 50mg/l.

Defending, Michael McGoldrick, said Hayles was of previous good character who was going through a "pretty rough time" at the end of last year.

His relationship had ended, he lost his job and he was in financial difficulty, court heard.

Mr McGoldrick said Hayles relied on cannabis more than he should have and cocaine was taken on a social basis.

Six months on, Hayles has made changes in his life and had got two jobs, he said.

Addressing magistrates, Hayles said: "It was a stupid thing to do and I have an appointment and I will get help. I'm sorry and I have only got myself to blame."

Magistrates accepted his remorse and banned him from driving for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay costs totalling £505.