A MAN from Conwy who drug-drove without a licence and insurance has been handed a 12-month community order and a driving ban.

Lewis Powell, 26, of Esplanade, Penmaenmawr, was ordered to complete rehabilitation activity requirements and unpaid work at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court today (April 29).

He had previously admitted two counts of drug-driving, and one charge each of driving without a licence and without third party insurance.

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The court heard that, on January 27, Powell was driving a Mercedes vehicle on Marl Drive, Llandudno Junction when officers stopped him.

Police were familiar with the car as it was owned by a female currently disqualified from driving for similar offences.

When Powell was stopped, his “eyes were glazed” and his “speech was slurred”, while officers could smell cannabis from him.

A roadside drug swipe saw Powell test positive for cannabis and cocaine, and he was subsequently arrested.

After being taken to custody, a sample of his blood was taken, which also showed the presence of cannabis in his system.

In mitigation for Powell, who had seven previous convictions for 10 offences, the court heard that he “feels like an idiot” for committing these offences and “doesn’t know why he did it”.

He consumes cannabis about three times a week and cocaine sporadically, and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder some years ago.

Powell, who was driving back to his partner’s address at the time, “wouldn’t have been able to live with himself” if he had injured anyone, the court was told.

The court ordered him to complete 15 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, and 120 hours’ unpaid work.

He was disqualified from driving for two years, and will pay costs of £199.