Mark Jolly admitted drug-driving when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Jolly had been behind the wheel of a red Alfa Romeo with L plates and another driver supervising when he was pulled over by police, who believed he may be under the influence of drugs, in Leominster's Burgess Street on September 27, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

He was arrested after failing a roadside drug test, and an evidential blood test taken in custody revealed he had 500 microgrammes of cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine per litre of blood. The legal limit is 50.

The court heard Jolly has a number of previous convictions, but none for drink or drug-drive matters.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Jolly, said the 44-year-old had cooperated fully with police and that there were no aggravating factors.

"He is aware he will be banned," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

"He tells me he had taken cocaine previously and he does have a history of an issue with drugs. The consequences of this meant he was recalled to prison for four months."

Jolly, who gave the court a care of address in Leominster, was fined £120 and disqualified from driving for 12 months. He must also pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.