A VAN driver told magistrates he had been “just stupid” when he was caught driving a van after using drugs.

Bolton Magistrates’ Court heard how police stopped Shahid Ashraf’s Vauxhall Insignia in Back Bradford Street West, Bolton, just after 6pm on January 31.

Andrew Hey, prosecuting, told how, when officers approached the 35-year-old Ashraf “there was an overwhelming smell emanating from him”.

A roadside swab revealed the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

A blood test at the police station showed that more than the specified level of cannabis was in his system.

Ashraf, of Bradford Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to drug driving.

Representing himself in court, Ashraf, who has previous convictions for drugs offences, told the court: "I was just stupid. I have learned from my mistakes.

"I am keeping my head down and doing bits and bobs of work."

He was banned from driving for 12 months, fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and a £32 victim surcharge.