A FLINTSHIRE machine operator has been handed a fine and ban after being caught speeding while over the cannabis limit.

David Higgins, of New Union Street in Connah's Quay, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 28-year-old admitted that on April 11 this year he drove a Yamaha motor vehicle on Kelserton Road in Connah's Quay when the proportion of cannabis in his blood exceeded the specified limit.

He was found to have 12.1 microgrammes of the substance per litre of blood - the limit being 2.

Higgins also admitted that on that occasion he possessed a quantity of cannabis and that he exceeded 30 miles per hour on Kelserton Road.

The court heard officers clocked him driving at 49 miles per hour and when stopped he smelled of cannabis.

He produced a small bag of the substance, which was seized, and gave a positive reading for cannabis when completing a drug swab.

David Matthews, defending, told the court Higgins had cooperated at the roadside and with officers at the police station.

He works as a machine operator on Deeside Industrial Park, Mr Matthews said.

District Judge Gwyn Jones handed Higgins a £200 fine for drug driving and a 16 month ban.

A further £160 fine for the possession of cannabis was issued, but the court imposed no separate penalty for the speeding offence.

Higgins was also told to pay costs of £85 and a £34 victim surcharge.