An Uber driver was seen snorting cocaine in his car while picking up and dropping off people at a music festival.

Blackburn magistrates heard Zaheer Abbas was initially reported to police because his vehicle was not authorised to be in the Lowther Deer Park near Kendal, where Kendal Calling was taking place.

Abbas, 42, of Carlton Road, Burnley, pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit for cocaine and its derivative, benzoylecgonine. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said she viewed the matters very seriously.

“They were committed at a festival where there were a lot of people around,” said District Judge Preston. “There was evidence of you snorting cocaine in your car.”

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said it was reported to police that an unauthorised Uber vehicle was on the site.

“It had been seen several times driving on and off the site,” said Miss Regala.

“It was also reported to the police that the driver had been seen snorting cocaine in his car.”

Miss Regala said Abbas initially denied operating as an Uber driver. He said he had been picking up and dropping off friends and denied using cocaine.

A drug wipe showed positive and Abbas was arrested and charged. An evidential sample gave a reading for cocaine of 37 against the legal limit of 10.