A MOTORIST who was caught driving while over the limit for cannabis told police he used the drug control pain.

Anthony Iley, 30, was caught committing the offence on March 25 as he drove a Ford Focus on the A595 near Thursby, Carlisle’s Rickergate court. He pleaded guilty to drug driving.

The court heard that he was slightly over twice the legal limit for the drug’s active ingredient.

Defence lawyer Andrew Gurney said the defendant had suffered a “traumatic car accident” several years ago and as a result suffered pain and had difficulty sleeping.

“He used cannabis for pain relief and also to help him sleep,” said the lawyer, adding that the defendant, of Sandersons Croft, Kirkby Thore, had not used the drug on the day he was caught.

“But the drug stays in your system,” said Mr Gurney, pointing out that was not the highest of readings. Magistrates fined Iley £120, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge. They also imposed a 24 month ban.