A DRIVER found carrying an imitation gun and driving while under the influence has been banned from the roads.

Stephen John Baines, 31, from Harrogate, was stopped while driving a blue Vauxhall Astra on the A19 at Selby in the early hours of Tuesday, April 4, and appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday (MAY 25).

A blood test showed Baines was over the specified limit for cannabis and almost three times over the limit for benzoylcgonine - a chemical found in cocaine.

Baines admitted the offence at court, and was banned from the roads for 18 months.

He was also found to be in possession of cannabis, a loaded air rifle and an imitation firearm, and admitted these offences before magistrates. For those offences he was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service in the next year, and pay £170 in fines and costs.

Traffic Constable Mark Patterson, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: "It is a satisfying to know that we have taken another dangerous motorist off the roads who blatantly disregards the safety of others.

"We will not tolerate drivers who think it is acceptable to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is an absolute priority to catch these individuals and put them before the courts before they do any harm."