Preston labourer caught drug driving again as police arrest him on a warrant for the same offence

Morgan Raymond Barnsley, 21, of Moor Lane, Preston, was already wanted on warrant for drug driving in Staffordshire in October after failing to attend court.

Preston Magistrates' Court was told he had been made homeless due to rent arrears and had been driving to his flat to collect the rest of his belongings when he was stopped by police on March 7.

Prosecuting, Andy Robinson said: "The police say on March 7 they spotted a black Citroen believed to be driven by the defendant who they knew was wanted on this warrant. They conducted a roadside drug wipe due to a strong smell of cannabis.

"Whilst in custody police found a small bag of cannabis in his shorts and a snap bag containing 15 wraps of crack cocaine.

"He said to police he can't help it because he was dependent on it.

"He paid £80 for the wraps which he was going to smoke along with the cannabis."

Defending, Sephton Lee said he had been oblivious to warrant as he had been asked to leave his flat because of rent arrears.

He added: "He had been doing labouring work but lost his job because he had been forced to sleep each night in his car.

"He felt very depressed and hopeless about his situation and regrettably sought solace in these controlled drugs.

He told the court the defendant had since paid off his rent arrears and persuaded his landlords to take him back.

Barnsley admitted possessing crack and cannabis and drug driving.

He got a £200 fine, £34 surcharge and £85 costs and a 31 month driving ban.

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