A MOTORIST who was caught drug driving with ketamine in his system has been banned from the roads for 12 months.

At Bolton Magistrates' Court Thomas Bayley admitted committing the offence when he drove a VW Polo on Watergate Lane, Farnworth, on March 23.

Anne Deakin, prosecuting, told how police stopped the car at 10.18pm with the intention of checking his driving documents.

"Checks were made to confirm that Mr Bayley was insured and held a full UK driving licence," said Miss Deakin.

"However, while speaking to him, PC Ashcroft could smell cannabis, spoke to the defendant about this and he admitted having previously used cannabis."

A drug swab tested positive for cocaine and when blood test results were produced, he was found to have an illegal level of ketamine in his system.

Bayley, aged 20, of Beatty Drive, Westhoughton, pleaded guilty to drug driving but, representing himself in court, declined the opportunity to explain his offending.

Magistrates heard that Bayley, who works for a distribution company, has no previous convictions.

In addition to the driving ban, he was fined £280 plus £119 in costs and charges.

Magistrate Joanne Halliday told him: "We note that you tested positive for multiple drugs. Just be mindful and have a little think about what you are doing."