Magistrates warned a drug-driver of the dangers of cocaine as they told him to sort his life out.

Mark Briskham, of Gwilliam Court, Monkton, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving while over the controlled drug limit when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, May 8.

Sian Vaughan, prosecuting, told the court that Briskham was stopped by police while riding a Honda motorcycle on Devon Drive, Pembroke, on November 10.

“It was quite clear he was under the influence of drugs because of his erratic behaviour. He admitted he had taken cocaine.”

The court heard that test revealed Briskham, 27, had cocaine and a derivative of the drug in his system.

Mike Kelleher, defending, stated that after being released from a lengthy prison sentence, Briskham was clean of drugs and even assisted in group sessions warning youngsters to avoid falling into his former habits.

However, he relapsed while experiencing a distressing time involving his family, and took cocaine with friends.

Mr Kelleher said: “That morning he did not think anything was amiss.

“After the incident he contacted his doctor and was prescribed medication. He has now come off it and has not taken drugs since.”

He added: “This was a one-off brought about by very difficult circumstances and the night before.”

Magistrates banned Briskham from driving for 12 months and fined him £120.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

The chairman of the bench warned Briskham that cocaine was a ‘dangerous substance’ and urged him to sort his life out.