A motorist who hit two parked cars while under the influence of cocaine has been fined £1,400 and banned from the roads for two years.

Andrew Harding admitted being over the limit for the class A drug, as well as its metabolite, benzoylecgonine.

The 41-year-old Crosby man also pleaded guilty to possessing class C drug diazepam.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis told the court that the defendant was driving an Audi Q3 on St Ninian’s Road in Douglas on March 8, at 10.14pm.

He collided with two parked vehicles, causing damage to both, as well as his own car.

Harding called the police himself and was subsequently arrested, due to his presentation at the roadside.

A blood sample was taken at police headquarters, which later produced results of 37 for cocaine, which has a legal limit of 10, and 240 for benzoylecgonine, which has a 50 limit.

Six diazepam tablets were found in his pocket.

When interviewed, Harding said he had been in Amsterdam and had only recently returned.

He said he could give no explanation for the collision, but said the road was narrow, with cars parked either side.

He also claimed he couldn’t explain why the diazepam was in his pocket.

The court heard that Harding, of Ballavitchel Road, had no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said his client had been going through a difficult time.

‘He has recognised he’d allowed things to get out of hand and allowed a difficult situation to get on top of him,' said the advocate.

Mr Wood said Harding had shown remorse and had called the police himself after the accident.

The advocate added that Harding was genuinely confused as to how he had the diazepam, but said that he had been away sharing a room with other people.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood also ordered the defendant to take an extended driving test after his ban, and to pay £125 prosecution costs.