A cannabis-smoking driver who stopped to check the oil in his Mercedes at an Ipswich petrol station had admitted drug-driving.

Mustafa Dari was given a 12-month driving ban after appearing before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to plead guilty to the offence.

He also admitted possessing cannabis and driving with no insurance.

The 22-year-old was caught on December 16 at the Shell garage in London Road.

Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said officers arrived at the garage and could smell cannabis coming from Dari’s car.

Dari admitted he had just smoked a spliff and was intending to drive the vehicle on his way home to Nightingale Road in north London.

The cannabis found on him was bought for around £5.

A blood test showed he was just over the drug-driving limit.

Mr Ablett said there had been nothing to previously suggest the apprentice barber’s driving had been anything other than exemplary.

In addition to his ban Dari was fined £200 and must pay £85 costs as well as £20 to the victims’ fund.