A FORD Transit van driver was caught 16 times the legal drug-drive limit for cocaine metabolite BZE.

Thomas Hayden, of Cook Avenue, Newport, admitted two charges of drug driving, in Carisbrooke, on June 3.

He appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court, on Tuesday, November 5.

Police, acting on a tip off a white van was possibly being driven by a drug driver heading towards Carisbrooke, saw Hayden, driving a white Ford Transit, turn into the Co-op car park, in Carisbrooke High Street, at 1.45pm.

Read more: Isle of Wight man caught trying to sell stolen milk churns

Officers carried out a drugs swipe on Hayden, which detected cocaine and cocaine metabolite, BZE.

Following his arrest, Hayden provided a blood sample, which confirmed both drugs were in his system.

The test detected 800 ug/L of BZE. The legal limit is 50, making it 16 times the limit.

The cocaine level was 32 ug/L, three times the legal limit, and cannabis derivative THC was also detected, but within legal limits.

Read more: Woman drove Ford Focus over 9 times BZE cocaine limit on Isle of Wight

Jobless Hayden appeared with a record of 16 convictions for 49 offences, which included drug driving in 2022.

For Hayden, Michael McGoldrick said his client had begun steps to address his cocaine use with Inclusion.

Magistrates ordered a report, with all sentencing options available and bailed Hayden to reappear for sentencing on January 17 next year.

Hayden was made subject to an interim driving ban.