A MOTORIST has been banned for 12 months after he was more than twice the drug drive limit.

Samuel William Kirkpatrick appeared before Workington's magistrates' court on Tuesday.

Kirkpatrick admitted driving a Skoda Fabia while over the legal limit for drugs.

He had 4.5 microgrammes of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis) in his blood.

The legal limit is two microgrammes. The offence took place on March 13 in Cockermouth.

He was represented in the hearing by defence solicitor Bobby Bell.

Kirkpatrick, of Low Road in Brigham near Cockermouth, was fined £120 by the court.

He was also ordered to pay a £32 surcharge to fund victim services.

The 19-year-old must also pay £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service to contribute towards some of the costs of bringing the case to court.

As well as the financial penalties, Kirkpatrick was also disqualified from obtaining a driving licence for 12 months.

The defendant's guilty plea was taken into account in the sentencing.

He must pay the total balance of £237 by November 17.