A MAN was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work in the community after driving while under the influence of cannabis.

Thomas Bowden, 23, of Penllwyn Avenue in Pontllanfraith, appeared before Caerphilly Magistrates Court earlier today.

He pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Corsa on A4049 in New Tredegar with cannabis in his blood on June 14.

On that day, a police officer’s attention was drawn to his car so Bowden was stopped.

When speaking the officer noted that Bowden’s speech was slow and his eyes were glazed.

A roadside sample was taken and was positive, and later a reading showed 6.4 microgrammes per litre of blood, while the limit it 2 microgrammes.

The court were told that he had been due to fly out to join his parents on holiday, but after going out with a friend, his alarm had not gone off and he had missed his flight.

After which he smoked cannabis.

He admitted that he had made a mistake.

Magistrates ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, he was disqualified from driving for 24 months and has to pay £290 in costs.