A MAN found driving while under the influence of cannabis has been jailed after being described as “an absolute menace” to other road users.

Michael Starmore, of Upper Park Terrace, Pontypool, was found to have excessive levels of cannabis in system when he was arrested in September. Officers had spotted the 33-year-old disqualified driver but when they caught up with the car, the court heard that his partner was in the passenger seat.

Starmore appeared at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday having previously pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle with a concentration of a controlled substance above the specified limit.

He had admitted to driving whilst disqualified and without insurance, while his actions also breached a suspended four-month prison sentence he had received for similar offences last year.

His actions came just eight days before the order was to expire.

The court heard that at around 8.30am on September 12, Starmore had been driving his Vauxhall Astra along Snatchwood Road, Abersychan. Prosecutor Julian Greenwood said that local officers recognised Starmore, who was with his partner, as a disqualified driver and followed him.

“The defendant’s car was found on a driveway, by which time the two parties had apparently changed places,” he said.

Starmore was arrested and later tested for drugs, with officers finding 4.2 micrograms (mg) of cannabis in his blood - the legal drug-drive limit is 2mg.

Harold Baker, defending, told the court: “He is a man with significant psychiatric problems.

“His partner is currently heavily pregnant and is hoping to have him with her to deal with that. She is due to give birth in the next five weeks.”

But Judge Jeremy Jenkins said Starmore had an “appalling” criminal record, with 96 offences and 40 previous convictions, and only an immediate sentence could suffice.

The judge said: “He is an absolute menace. He is a complete danger to lawful road users.”

Starmore was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and a further four weeks for breaching his suspended sentence.

He was also banned from driving for more than three years.