AN ISLE of Wight man caught drug driving after smoking cannabis the night before has been banned from the road for three years.

Paul Day, of Lower Highland Road, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, May 28.

The 43-year-old admitted drug driving in Newport, on December 14 of last year.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said Day was seen driving a Transit van along Blackwater Road at around 10.50am.

He was spoken to by officers, and both appeared and smelt like he was under the influence of cannabis.

He registered a reading of 4.5, exceeding the specified limit of 2.

Ms Miller said it was unclear why police stopped him initially, but he did have a previous conviction of a similar nature, from 2021.

Jason Halsey, defending, said Day had used cannabis since he was 12 years old.

He said, after a previous incident, Day had given up, but he became depressed and upset and started smoking again to numb the pain.

Mr Halsey said he smoked the night before he drove and was aware he needs help.

Day was fined £230 and disqualified from driving for 36 months.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £92 surcharge.