A 28-YEAR-OLD man who drove a Transit van with cocaine in his system has been banned from the road.

Ashley Jones, of Herbert Street, Sutton, was convicted for drug driving and also ordered to pay more than £600 in fines.

Jones was arrested on Saturday, October 21 last year after a Ford Transit van was stopped by police at Windle Island.

Officers say that while they dealt with him, he displayed signs of drug use and was tested positive for cocaine.

Jones was due to attend Merseyside Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 14 but he did not appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He has now been convicted and disqualified from driving, as well as ordered to pay costs and fines, including to fund victim services.

Police have welcomed the sentencing of Jones, emphasising the "danger" posed by drug drivers to other road users and themselves.

Community Inspector John Whittingham said: “New drug testing powers came into force in 2015 and we need to keep enforcing the message that driving while impaired in any way will not be tolerated on our roads, and can lead to devastating consequences.

“While they represent a small minority of drivers, I cannot stress enough the danger that these people present, not just to themselves, but to other road users too.

Insp Whittingham added: "The current drug driving legislation makes the process of prosecuting drug drivers much simpler and our rates of prosecution are high.

"Our message to those drivers would be don’t risk it. The consequences of being caught can be life-changing, financially and for your livelihood and life.

"We will remain vigilant to find those drivers who present a risk to other road users.

“Any driver involved in a road traffic collision, or who commits a traffic offence, can expect to be breathalysed and if necessary drug tested, and may be required to perform an impairment test.”

Anyone who suspects someone of driving while impaired through drink, drugs or using mobile devices, is asked to report them by calling 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or tweet @MerPolCC.