WHEN police stopped a van which was swerving on the A55 they discovered the Deeside driver was under the influence of drugs.

Peter Powell, 51, of Sealand Avenue, Garden City, was banned from driving for 18 months at Llandudno Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to driving at Colwyn Bay with a cocaine/blood proportion of 38 when the limit is 10, and with a second drug, a compound of cocaine with a limit of 50, when the figure was 786.

James Neary, prosecuting, said police had been concerned that the Astra van would cause a collision.

“He told them he was just adjusting his seat,” he added. It happened on June 30 - Armed Forces Day - when traffic was heavy.

A probation officer told the court Powell had last worked in 2009 and was claiming employment and support allowance. She recommended a drug rehabilitation programme.

Victoria Hanley, defending, said Powell had been out of trouble since 2014. Unfortunately his passenger in the van had brought drugs.

In addition to the driving ban magistrates imposed a year-long community order with a drug rehabilitation programme requiring tests twice weekly and 10 days of a rehabilitation requirement.

Powell must also pay £290 in a fine and costs.