A Bolton man has been banned from the roads after having cannabis in his system.

Wojciech Zarzeczny took the drug to help with pain he encounters with sciatica.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard he was behind the wheel of a Volvo C30 with the drug in his system on Thynne Street at around 6.45pm.

Nicola Mills, prosecuting, said: “On 14 February officers were on mobile patrol.

“They came across a Volvo driving erratically.

“They suspected the driver may be under the influence of drink or drugs.

“They stopped the vehicle.

“They became aware of a strong smell of cannabis.

“Officers carried out a road side test that was positive for cannabis.

“He was arrested and taken to Bolton police station.

“He provided a breath sample.

“He was released pending the results.”

At court Zarzeczny, from Tulip Avenue, Kearsley, pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of cannabis.

The court heard he had no previous convictions.

Ella Chorlton, defending said: “The police officer had stated there was good driving but it had fallen shortly below what was expected.

“He was self medicating for health issues.

“He suffers from sciatica which has been extremely painful.

“He had to take five weeks off work.

“During those five weeks off work his mobility was extremely limited.

“He had little use of his legs.

“He had used cannabis earlier in the morning.

“He had not used it at the time he was pulled over.

“He is aware of the consequences.

“It will have a significant impact on his ability to travel.

“The car is his main way of moving due to health and mobility issues.

“He had driven a driven a short distance to purchase food for the evening.”

Chair of the bench Alex Walker said: “We do not condone the use of cannabis but we understand the reason, it was not recreational use.”

He banned the 42-year-old from the roads for 17 months and fined him £657 and ordered him to pay further costs of £348.