A DRIVER who crashed into the back of another car at traffic lights was “stoned as well as drunk” according to the other motorist.

Blackburn magistrates heard Cade David Marshall, who was disqualified from driving, refused to provide a sample to police officers but admitted smoking a “spliff.”

Marshall, 38, of Vauxhall Court, Manchester, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and possession of cannabis.

He was jailed for 12 weeks, banned from driving for 36 weeks and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the other motorist became aware of Marshall driving behind him. He was too close, all over the road and nearly collided with other vehicles.

“He said to his son he thought the other driver must be drunk,” said Mrs Mann.

When he pulled up at traffic lights on Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, he saw Marshall put his head down as if he was looking for something and his car then rolled into the back of his vehicle.

“He went to speak to the defendant and could immediately smell cannabis in the car,” said Mrs Mann.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said Marshall had been sentenced to 14 years in prison for an offence committed by his brother.

Out of a misguided sense of loyalty he had served the sentence because he didn’t think his brother could have withstood the rigours of a prison sentence.

“The day before he was due to be released his brother died from cancer,” said Mr Bakhat.

“He turned to alcohol to help him get through the problems he had and alcohol has become his problem.”

He said on the day Marshall, who was living in East Lancashire, had a row with his partner and drank.