AN intoxicated motorist who had been smoking cannabis 'as a form of pain relief' was found to be more than three times the drug driving limit after being pulled over in a routine traffic stop.

Edward McMillan admitted to being under the influence of the class B substance when he was behind the wheel of a Ford Focus on June 21, 2022.

The 56-year-old confessed to officers who stopped him on Branchton Road in the afternoon that he had smoked cannabis.

Roadside tests confirmed the proportion of THC - the main psychoactive component of cannabis - in his system was 7mcg per litre of blood; the legal limit is just 2mcg/litre.

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A hearing at Greenock Sheriff Court on Tuesday was told that officers noted a 'strong smell emanating from the vehicle', however, no drugs were found within it or on McMillan.

Defence solicitor Derek Buchanan said: "He took a joint the night before. He apologises for the miscalculation in that regard.

"He had an operation shortly before this incident, he had surgery on his hand and was using cannabis as a form of pain relief."

Sheriff Clair McLachlan fined McMillan, of Lothian Road, £195, payable at a rate of £20 per month. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.