THE driver of a BMW stopped by police in the early hours tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Blackburn magistrates heard Martin Dale had dropped his brother off in Blackburn and was on his way home to Darwen.

Dale, 32, of Moor Close, Darwen, pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit for cocaine and its derivative, benzoylecgonine, and cannabis. He was fined £300 with £85 costs and £34 victim surcharge and banned from driving for 12 months.

Michael Alexander, defending, said there had been no suggestion of bad driving.

"He didn't feel he was impaired," said Mr Alexander.

"He is an occasional drug user and didn't expect to be over the limit. He was shocked when the reading came through."