A CARLISLE motorist has been sentenced for driving on the M6 while unfit through drugs.

Paul William Heritage, 57, appeared before District Judge John Temperley today at the city's Rickergate court. The defendant admitted committing the offence on the evening of September 23 last year.

The court heard that police who were patrolling the M6 motorway north-bound became aware of a white Nissan Duke car that was seen moving from lane 2 into 3 and then back again over a three mile distance.

The car then left the motorway at Junction 42, after which the officers stopped the car at about 10.30pm.

George Shelley, prosecuting, told the judge that a drug-swipe test was performed by an officer and Heritage, of Hadley Court, Cumwhinton Road, Carlisle failed.

The officers also noted the defendant was unsteady on his feet.

After being arrested and taken to Carlisle's Durranhill Police HQ the defendant was given a urine test.

It showed he had cocaine and cannabis in his system.

Steven Marsh, defending, said his client admitted he had taken some illegal drugs on the Sunday before he was stopped.

The judge was told Heritage has significant health problems with underlying mental health issues.

He takes painkillers and medication for deep vein thrombosis in his leg, said the lawyer, and this was the reason for him being unsteady on his feet.

As he passed sentence, District Judge Temperley said that the offence was aggravated by the standard of driving on the M6.

Heritage was banned from driving for a year and fined of £150.

He must also pay prosecuting costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.