A BOXER arrested for drug driving claimed he had been told cannabis would help him make the weight for an upcoming fight.

Blackburn magistrates told Ali Murtaza Acktar he had been “naive” to think that cannabis could in any way help in his sporting career.

Acktar, 19, of Avenue Parade, Accrington, pleaded guilty to drug driving. He was fined £323 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Briony Cook, prosecuting, said police officers on mobile patrol at around midnight spotted a car which flagged up as having no MOT.

The car pulled onto a garage forecourt and when they approached there was a strong smell of cannabis.

“The defendant admitted he had smoked cannabis in the last 24 hours,” said Miss Cook.

Zabair Afzal, defending, said his client had no previous convictions.

He had driven from his work as a security guard to get some food.

Mr Afzal said his client was a boxer and was struggling to meet the weight requirements for a fight which was fast approaching.

“A friend had suggested smoking cannabis was a way for him to lose weight,” said Mr Afzal.

“Clearly the cannabis in his system took him over the legal limit.”

He said Acktar worked in the family security business and had put that in jeopardy.

“His father hoped he would follow him into the security industry but with this conviction he will struggle to get a licence,” said Mr Afzal.