A WOMAN was caught driving on the A590 having taken cocaine because 'things got on top of her', a court heard.

Letitia Leonard was stopped by a police officer when driving on the road near Lindal on November 16.

Appearing at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court, the 32-year-old admitted a charge of drug driving.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly described the incident. 

He said: "PC Howard was driving on the A590 following a Honda Civic.

"He caused the vehicle to stop in the area of Lindal.

"It appeared this was a routine stop.

"In speaking to the driver the officer deemed it appropriate to ask her to complete a roadside drugs test.

"That came back positive for cocaine.

"She was taken to the police station and asked to provide a specimen of blood for analysis." 

In mitigation, Leah Kirk told the court how the defendant was struggling with the loss of a loved one at the time of the offence.

"She tells me her whole life changed," she said.

"Things got on top of her.

"She began to rely on cocaine use.

"She had no help at the time and has now sought help."

Ms Kirk said the care coordinator 'does express to the court how difficult a time this was for her'.

Magistrates, led by chair of the bench Gary Ormondroyd, sentenced her for the offence.

Leonard, of Pennine Way in Carlisle, was told to pay a £120 as well as a £34 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

She was banned from getting behind the wheel of a car for 12 months.

"We've given you as much credit as we can for the guilty plea," Mr Ormondroyd said.