A MAN was found driving with heroin in his system on the way back from a funeral, a court heard.

Stephen Morris, 56, of Hornby Road, Blackpool, was spoken to by police after the car he was driving was in collision with a HGV on the M6 at Preston Patrick.There were two passengers in the car.

Morris passed a roadside breath test but tests revealed he had heroin, cannabis and Diazepam in his system.

Police also discovered he had no driving licence or insurance for the vehicle.

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In mitigation, Allan Cobain said Morris was attending a funeral in Scotland with the two passengers, one of whom - the brother of the deceased - is "heavily involved in the drugs scene in Blackpool."

Mr Cobain said: "There were drugs at the wake, the day before the funeral, and Mr Morris feels ashamed that he succumbed to smoking some heroin, which was freely on offer."

He said Morris had not intended to drive the car, despite being the owner, but agreed to take over driving when he driver said he felt unwell.

Morris pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and using a vehicle without insurance.

He was banned from driving for three years and given a 12-month community order with a four-month curfew from 8pm to 6am.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.