A LEARNER driver was caught with drugs after driving along the pavement as he fled police in Hereford.

Adam Aspey admitted drug-driving, driving without a licence or insurance, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop, and possessing a controlled drug when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were on duty in an unmarked car when they saw a Ford Transit van being driven in Hereford, prosecutor Mark Hambling said.

Checks showed the driver may be uninsured and unlicensed, and officers decided to follow the van, which was not displaying L plates.

Officers said driver Aspey turned into a small car parking area and slowed down before speeding up and driving over a turfed area, heading into Gorsty Lane and driving on the pavement for a short time.

They found the van stopped in Thistledown Grove with the keys still in the ignition, while Aspey was inside his house.

An apologetic Aspey told officers that he had panicked, that he had smoked cannabis, and that there was a small amount in the van, and was arrested after failing a roadside drug swab test.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Aspey, said the 30-year-old had made admissions "left, right, and centre" after he was caught by police.

"He apologised for driving off," she said.

"He tells me that he had bought the van a couple of days before and had it repaired with the intention of insuring it and getting his licence. He was driving it back from getting it fixed and planned to get it insured, but clearly did not have insurance at the time."

"He volunteered that he had cannabis, and it was a very small amount worth about £5."

The court heard the gardener had bought the van to help him with his business but understood that he would now face a mandatory roads ban.

Aspey, of Thistledown Grove, Hereford, was fined a total of £240 and received a 12-month conditional discharge, and 12-month roads ban. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.