A Bolton man will lose his job after driving while under the influence of cannabis.

Jonah Saunders was behind the wheel of a Hyundai on Darwen Road, Egerton, in January this year after he had taken the drug.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard the 24-year-old got in the car to purchase some golf clubs.

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said: “The incident was on January 23 this year at around 9.45pm.

“Police officers driving down Darwen Road had their attention drawn to the vehicle due to erratic driving.

“The vehicle accelerated harshly at speed.

“Police pulled it over and spoke to the occupant, there was a strong smell of cannabis.

“The suspected that the defendant was driving under the influence and carried out a roadside drugs test.

“That was positive for cannabis.

“At 10.05pm he was arrested and transported to Bolton Custody.”

At court Saunders, from Danesbury Road, Bolton, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cannabis.

Ella Chorlton, defending, said he would lose his job as a result.

She said: “It was not until the previous day, almost a whole 24 hours, before he had been consumed any cannabis product.

“That would appear to be the reason for an extremely low reading.

“He had purchased some golf clubs online.

“He had travelled to go and collect those.

“That is the only reason the was driving.

“He works as a tyre fitter.

“He will now lose that employment, he has been open and honest with his employers.”

Chair of the bench Alex Walker fined him £200, ordered him to pay further costs of £165 and banned him from the roads for 17 months.

He said: “You must not drive and motor vehicle starting from now.

“If you do drive a motive vehicle you must know that is a very serious matter and you can go to prison."