A MOTORIST who got behind the wheel whilst under the influence of cannabis has been banned from driving for a year.

Matthew Ellis, 29, of Foundry Street, Shildon pleaded guilty to driving whilst having cannabis in his system when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 11).

The court heard he was stopped in his van on the A688 at Bishop Auckland on November 20 and failed a drug test.

He was disqualified from driving for a year and ordered to pay £225 in court fines and charges.