Barnstaple motorist had three different kinds of drug in his system

A MAN who drove while under the influence of heroin, diazepam and codeine is likely to lose his job, a court has heard.

Mark Joslin, 36, was spotted swerving on the A361 North Devon Link Road on Christmas Day last year and then fell asleep when arrested by police.

Joslin, a machine operator of 57 Loverings Court in Barnstaple, appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court last week where he pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs.

Karen Ball, for the prosecution, said Joslin's erratic driving was reported by another motorist.

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She said: "When police caught up with him he was swerving from side to side and driving well below the speed limit. He was stopped and asked to turn off the engine. Instead he managed to turn on the windscreen wipers.

"His eyes were glazed, he couldn't answer simple questions and he fell asleep in the back of the police car."

Joslin told police he had taken heroin and diazepam the day before.

David Rowe, for the defence, said Joslin needed his driving license for work and will lose his job as a result of the court proceedings.

He said: "My client was driving from South Molton to see his parents in Barnstaple.

"He had no idea his driving would be impaired.

"He's been attending the Quay Centre in Barnstaple since January and has cut down on his drug use.

"This incident has had a devastating effect and my client is extremely sorry."

Joslin was disqualified from driving for 18 months, fined £150 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £50 costs.