A MOTORIST has been banned from the roads after being caught drug driving.

Joseph Morrison, 23, was found guilty at Harrogate Magistrates Court of driving a motor vehicle on a road whilst in excess of a prescribed drug limit.

The result of a blood test, obtained after Morrison was arrested in the early hours of October 9, confirmed that he was more than twice the specified limit for cocaine.

Morrison, of Burton Leonard, Ripon, was also found to be more than nine times over the specified limit for benzoylcgonine.

He was seen by a North Yorkshire Police traffic officer driving at speed on Harrogate Road towards Ripon city centre. He then ignored a road closed sign and continued onto High Skellgate.

Morrison provided a positive drug saliva specimen at the roadside and was arrested.

Traffic constable David Minto said: "Morrison’s driving prior to his arrest clearly fell below the standards of a safe and competent driver.

York Press:

"As a result, he was stopped and dealt with accordingly. I am hugely satisfied that we have taken another motorist off the roads who clearly has scant regard for others.

"We will not tolerate this behaviour on the roads of North Yorkshire and will leave no stone unturned in our determination to put these drivers before the courts."

Morrison received an 18 month disqualification, a £500 fine and £135 costs.