AN ISLE of Wight drug driver drove the wrong way up a road in a panic while being followed by police.

Aaron Thomas, of West Street, Ryde, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, June 7.

The 19-year-old admitted drug driving in Ryde, on December 13 of last year.

Prosecutor, Lauren Stone, said officers in an unmarked police car were parked on Monkton Street at around 5.20pm.

She said their attention was drawn to a vehicle being driven by Thomas.

The court heard he pulled up and a passenger exited the vehicle, then he was seen driving away quickly, and his car – a Fiat Punto – made a loud revving sound.

Ms Stone said he was seen driving toward the Esplanade and drove the wrong way up Park Road.

She said he was pulled over, a strong smell of cannabis was noted, and Thomas registered a reading of 3 for cannabis when the specified limit is 2.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Thomas was not a heavy cannabis user and was employed in the building trade.

He said he had been diagnosed with ADHD which impacts on his day-to-day life, work and sleep pattern.

Mr Vincent told the bench his medication didn’t work well and he occasionally used cannabis.

The court heard he smoked a joint the day before being pulled over, felt OK to drive, but became nervous when the police were driving behind him on his way home, causing him to drive up the wrong way.

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

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