Joel Desborough had cocaine and cannabis in van while drug-driving in Hunstanton

A drug-driver with a history of similar offences was caught behind the wheel with cocaine and cannabis in his van.

Joel Desborough, 28, who lived in Harpley at the time of his offences, was driving in Hunstanton on August 31 last year when he was spotted by the police.

He was pulled over on Princess Road, and officers immediately noted the scent of cannabis. Desborough admitted having some in the car, and a bag containing 7g of the drug was found in the glove compartment.

A separate bag containing 1g of cocaine was subsequently located in the driver’s cup holder.

After being arrested and taken into custody, tests also revealed that Desborough had 31mcg of cocaine per litre of blood in his system. The legal limit to drive is 10mcg.

He appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to drug-driving and possession of Class A and B drugs.

The court was told that as he had been disqualified from driving for an excess alcohol offence in 2017, he faced an extended ban this time around.

He was also convicted for drug-driving in January this year.

Mitigating, duty solicitor George Sorrell said Desborough has been going through a “very poor state of health” due to a series of mental health issues.

In recent months, he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act - and has now taken up residence at a care facility in Bournemouth.

“Mr Desborough has had, to put it mildly, an uphill struggle in recent times,” Mr Sorrell said.

However, he provided several letters from carers which spoke of Desborough in “glowing terms”.

“He has the support, now, of the right people,” the solicitor added.

“Behind me is his mother - a good person - supporting him. She came to court with him today. She helped him to answer my questions.

“So he has got the things in place to continue to do well.

“I think he has come to understand that it is very important for his own wellbeing to do this.”

Magistrates disqualified Desborough from driving for three years.

He will also pay a £120 fine, £48 victim surcharge and £45 in court costs.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine and cannabis.