A DRUG driver was caught after failing to stop for police carrying out speed checks, a court heard.

Stefan Seymour was given a driving ban by magistrates after he admitted the offence at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Magistrates heard the 29-year-old's Volkswagen Golf came to police attention in Station Road, Pershore, for exceeding the speed limit, and initially stopped in a car park as directed by police.

But prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock explained police had to stop him again as he moved off the car park.

"Eventually he was stopped," Miss Blacklock said.

"Police smelt cannabis, he failed a roadside test. He was taken to Worcester Police Station, a blood test showing he had 7.7mcg of tetrahydrocannabinol - the legal limit being 2."

Richard Hull, defending Seymour, explained: "When he was at the car park, he thought he wasn't required and went out of the exit," Mr Hull said.

"He was stopped by police on blue lights."

Mr Hull said when the offence happened, on April 15 this year, Seymour, of The Flats, Farleigh Road, had been grieving the death of his father - who he treated as a father - and his grandmother.

"He gave up work to be a carer for him," Mr Hull said.

"After that he did not return to work."

Mr Hull said he had shown signs of being depressed, saying those factors had led to him becoming reliant on cannabis, which he was now reducing.

Mr Hull added that the father-of-one, who is expecting another child with his girlfriend, was hoping the experience of going to court could be used in a positive way.

Magistrates banned Seymour for a year with chairman of the magistrates bench, Trevor Higginbotham, warning that meant he immediately could not drive on any public road and to do so would be a serious offence he could be jailed for.

Seymour was fined £120, and was told to pay costs of £135 and a victim surcharge of £34.

The total, £289, was ordered to pay a rate of £20 per month, reduced from Seymour's benefits.