MAGISTRATES have handed a community order and a ban to a motorist caught driving in Carlisle while 16 times the limit for a cocaine breakdown product.

When 26-year-old Charlie Mallam was stopped by police as he drove his Vauxhall Astra on London Road after returning from Penrith, his eyes had a noticeably “reddish” appearance, the city’s Rickergate court heard.

The defendant, of McDevitt Way, off Shaddongate, admitted drug driving.

Prosecutor Pam Ward said police became involved after receiving reports of an “incident" in Penrith, though what his had been was not outlined in court.

As a result, however, police were alerted to information that Mallam’s Vauxhall had been seen leaving the M6 at Junction 42, south of Carlisle, and then heading along London Road towards the city.

Officers stopped him and approached Mallam’s car to speak to him.

“He appeared to have yellow and reddish eyes,” said Mrs Ward. “There was a smell of alcohol and he tested positive for cocaine, so a sample of blood was taken for analysis and produced a result of 800mcg per litre [for a cocaine breakdown product].”

The legal limit for driving for this substance is 50mcg.

Chris Toms, defending, confirmed that the defendant had been convicted only last week of drink driving and given an 18-month ban. The lawyer said Mallam had struggled recently with his social situation.

“He is now single and living with his mother and father,” said Mr Toms. The defendant was also struggled to deal with a drugs issue and he had honestly said he was now trying to overcome this.

From the dock of the court, Mallam told magistrates: “I have stopped using and don’t touch anything anymore.”

A qualified heating engineer, he said that he was now receiving regular support to enable him to turn his life around and reject drugs entirely.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, with 10 rehabilitation activity days and 40 hours of unpaid work. They also ordered that he pays £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

The magistrates added that they were imposing a fresh 18-month driving ban, which will road from the day of sentence.