A 25-YEAR-OLD driver has lost his home, relationship and job after he was caught driving under the influence of drugs.

Peter Iuean Hughes admitted both a charge of driving while under the influence of cocaine and a further charge of driving while under the influence of cannabis.

Hughes was caught driving on Ullswater Road in Penrith, on June 15, with a child and woman as passengers in his Fiat Ducato van. Their identities were not revealed.

Amy Labram, prosecuting, told the court that police followed the van onto Ullswater Road and saw it stop at a shop, before a child and woman got out.

Mrs Labram said: “Police officers spoke to the driver and he said he didn’t use cannabis, but had used it three days ago.

“He said he hadn’t had any cocaine.”

Subsequent tests found Hughes had 14µg/L of cocaine per litre of blood - the legal limit is 10µg/L.

He also had 2.8µg/L of cannabis per litre of blood - the legal limit is 2µg/L.

Hughes, of Graham Street in Penrith, had seven previous convictions for 10 offences.

He admitted both charges when he appeared before Carlisle’s magistrates’ court yesterday.

“Aggravating factors are that he was carrying two passengers - one was a child,” continued Mrs Labram. “They both left before officers arrived.”

Rachel Ottley, for Hughes, said: “He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He wasn’t aware that having drugs a few nights before would still be in his system.

“As a result of this his partner has ended a five-year relationship, he has lost his home and his job.”

Forced to get a new job as a yard operative, Hughes now earns £500 a month less.

Mrs Ottley outlined Hughes’ mental health problems: “He has an issue with depression, he is due to be seen by First Steps.

“He moved from Wrexham to be with his partner and he went on to have a child. He has been to parties using drugs and has paid the consequences.”

Mrs Ottley added: “He is hoping that today will be a new start, particularly with the help of First Steps.”

Hughes was given a community order requiring him to complete 10 activity days in the next 12 months, to attend appointments with a probation officer and to be under curfew for four month between the hours of 8pm and 5am daily.

The court ordered Hughes to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

He was banned from driving for 36 months.