A LAKES drug-driver has been spared immediate prison sentence and given a "last chance".

Carlisle Crown Court heard how Tomaz Kuznik, 24, was stopped by police as he drove a Vauxhall Astra with a defective headlight in Windermere last July.

Officers detected a cannabis smell, Kuznik's speech was slurred and he was slow when responding to questions.

A "drug wipe" revealed the presence of THC - an active ingredient of cannabis.

A blood sample was forensically analysed, and contained 5.6mg of THC per litre of blood - almost three times the 2mg limit. In addition, Kuznik's sample contained amphetamine over the amount allowed.

He admitted driving with a controlled drug over the prescribed limit, and was sentenced today (FRI).

Recorder Philip Curran heard the defendant was given a suspended prison term, in December, 2016, for a cannabis supply crime.

But after considering a probation service report, Recorder Curran imposed a 12-month community order for the latest crime. Kuznik, of White Moss Court, Kendal, must complete 200 hours' unpaid work and a 14-month driving ban.

Recorder Curran told Kuznik: "I have come to the view, just, that I am going to give you a further chance - but it really is your last chance."