A driver who was stopped for speeding was found to be over the limit for drugs.

Blackburn magistrates heard Amir Afzal tested positive for cocaine and its derivative, benzoylecgonine, and cannabis.

Tests also revealed the presence of methadone, the heroin substitute, but this was below the legal limit.

Afzal, 53, of Poplar Street, Nelson, pleaded guilt to three charges of drug driving. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months with 15 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and nine months Drug Rehabilitation Requirement. He was banned from driving for 48 months and ordered to pay £154 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said it seemed Afzal didn't think the normal rules of the road applied to him.

"What makes this worse is your record for drink and drug related offending," said District Judge Preston.

"You should be grateful you didn't injure or kill anyone while driving in that state. I am just persuaded to suspend the sentence because of the work you have been doing with the drink and drug agency since these offences in April."

Bilal Saeed, prosecuting, said Afzal attracted the attention of the police because of the speed he was travelling at on Barkerhouse Road, Nelson.

The author of a pre-sentence report said Afzal had denied taking cocaine.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client didn't dispute what was found in his system.

"What he is saying is that he doesn't remember taking cocaine," said Mr Williams. "He has been a drug addict for many years and concedes he must have taken some cocaine even though it isn't his drug of choice."