A NORTHWICH man has been banned from the road after being caught more than 16 times over the drug drive limit.

Ashley Bennett, of Central Road, Rudheath, was driving an Audi on August 27 last year when he was stopped by police.

The 35-year-old was given a three-year driving disqualification when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, March 4.

Bennett admitted to being over the limit for Benzoylecgonine, a cocaine breakdown product, while driving on Gadbrook Road and West Avenue.

In a blood sample given to police, the level of Benzoylecgonine in his blood was greater than 800 micrograms per litre of blood, which exceeds the limit, which is 50ug.

Bennett also entered a guilty plea for being in possession of cannabis and cannabis resin.

Despite being also being charged with failing to stop and driving while disqualified, both of those offences were withdrawn.

As well handing Bennett a 36-month driving ban, magistrates also fined him £120 and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis and cannabis resin.

He must also pay prosecution costs of £85.