A Lledrod man stopped by police who were carrying out speed checks was found to be driving with cocaine and cannabis in his system, and police later found drugs at his home.

Steven Evans, 34, pleaded guilty to three charges of drug-driving with levels of cannabis, cocaine and benzoylecgonine, a cocaine derivative, above the specified limit.

He has also admitted two charges of possession of cannabis, possession of diazepam and possession of etizolam.

Rhian Jones, prosecuting, said Evans, of Aberdauddwr Uchaf, was stopped by police on the A4120 at Capel Seion where they were carrying out speed checks.

While talking to Evans, officers smelt cannabis and asked him to take a drug swipe test, which he failed.

Officers also found a large number of tablets in the car, which Evans admitted were Valium, as well as cannabis.

He said he had just bought the pills in Aberystwyth and was returning home.

A search of Evans’s home found more cannabis and the etizolam pill.

Ms Jones said as Evans has a drink-driving conviction just inside the 10-year period, he was facing an extended driving ban.

Alan Lewis, defending Evans, said Evans had been struggling after suffering a close family bereavement in 2017 and that had led to him “self-medicating” as the prescription medication he was using was having side effects.

Mr Lewis said Evans could benefit from a community order and assistance from the probation service and agencies as he is “crying out for help” in terms of drug use, his mental health and bereavement issues.

Evans was given a community order for a year with a six-month curfew between 7.30pm and 6am. He will also complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Evans was also banned from driving for three years and will pay costs of £170.