A MAN driving while on drugs who struck on two consecutive days has kept his freedom, as long as he proves he can put illegal substances and crime behind him.

Miles Andrew Whitfield, 27, had been spotted swerving his car by a police inspector. He was stopped and a urine sample showed traces of heroin and cocaine. The day after he was seen weaving in the road and when he got out the car was unsteady on his feet, Burnley Magistrates heard. A blood test revealed traces of heroin, diazepan and methadone.

Whitfield, said by his solicitor to have an appalling record and to be subject to a drug treatment and testing order, had sentence deferred until July 9. He was told by the bench to pursue a drug-free lifestyle, keep in touch with relevant agencies, co-operate with and complete the drug testing order and not to commit any more offences.

The defendant, of New Bath Street, Colne, admitted two counts of driving while unfit through drugs, not having insurance, driving licence or MOT and abstracting electricity. He was given an interim driving ban.

Dermot Woodhead, defending, said Whitfield knew if he was sent to prison he could have little complaint. Whitfield had not committed any further offences since last October, was meeting the requirements of the drug testing order and voluntarily trying to work out his problems.

The solicitor said Whitfield was a different individual to the one who committed the offences and urged the court to defer sentence, adding if he stayed out of trouble and carried on with the order Whitfield could be a more useful member of society.