AN ISLE of Wight drug driver was caught by police while driving to Tesco to shop for his ailing mother.

Samuel Williams, of Barton Road, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, September 29.

The 31-year-old admitted drug driving in Ryde, on Quarr Hill, on April 5.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police had been on duty at around 4pm when they were alerted by another off-duty police officer to a possible drug driver.

She said Williams was seen driving, and an overwhelming smell of cannabis was noted.

The court heard he was pulled over at around 7pm and registered a reading of 3.2 for cannabis when the legal limit is 2.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Williams had a limited social life, was in full-time employment and was the sole carer for his house-bound mother.

Mr Vincent described it as a high-pressure existence and said Williams smoked a single joint of cannabis the night before, to wind down.

He said his mother relied on him greatly, and on the day he felt OK to drive for a routine shopping trip.

Williams, who was described by his employer as a well-rounded, sensible individual, was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He was fined £375 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £150 surcharge.