AN ISLE of Wight man, caught driving a motorcycle while under the influence of cocaine, has been banned from the road.

Liam Cairns, of Pineview Drive, Newport, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, November 21.

The 30-year-old admitted drug driving on Wayside Drive, in Newport.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, said police on duty, on July 22, followed Cairns' motorcycle, when a problem with his licence flagged on their system.

She said he was stopped and a distinct smell of cannabis was noted.

While a DrugWipe revealed he was not over the specified limit for cannabis – a substance he admitted to smoking – he was found to be over the limit for cocaine.

Barry Arnett, defending, said the offence did not involve an element of bad driving and that Cairns was fully co-operative with police.

He said Cairns worked as a chef, but the seasonal nature of the role meant he would not resume work until around March/April.

Mr Arnett said his client had been asked to go to the shops on the day in question and did not think of the consequences.

Cairns was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £48 surcharge.