A driver who had been using cannabis for pain relief was unaware that it stayed in the system longer than alcohol, a court has heard.

Blackburn Magistrates’ Court was told how Abid Mahmood was aware he was a disqualified driver when he was caught behind the wheel of his brother's van.

Police stopped him in Blackburn Road, Accrington, on September 5 while driving the Ford Transit van.

Mahmood, 45, of Tintern Crescent, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to drug driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.

In court on January 26, He was handed a further 12 month driving ban, fined £80, and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Lee Woodyatt, prosecuting, said police stopped Mahmood for a routine document check and it soon became apparent he was banned.

He failed a roadside drug test and a blood sample later proved positive for cocaine.

 The test showed he had 3.6 micrograms of cannabis per litre of blood, with the legal limit two micrograms.

Gareth Price, offering mitigation, said his client had arthritis in his hand and used cannabis in the evening to help with the pain.

"What he didn't realise is that it stays in the system much longer than alcohol," said Mr Price.