AN ANDOVER man has been banned from driving, despite claiming that it was his brother who was caught behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs and not him.

Abdulhakin Mohamed Ahmed was convicted of drug driving after he was caught behind the wheel of a white Audi on Icknield Way on June 12, 2020.

He was stopped by police and a test revealed he had THC, a breakdown product of cannabis, in his system.

But appearing before Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Monday for sentencing, Ahmed said he still intended to put forward his defence, despite the conviction.

The 22-year-old claims that it was his brother, who he says looks like him, that had taken the car and his licence without consent.

He had previously denied the charge of drink driving and was due to stand trial on July 19, but failed to attend court.

District Judge Timothy Pattinson then went on and convicted Ahmed in his absence after hearing "convincing" evidence from the police officer who stopped him.

Ahmed told the court on Monday that he was unable to attend the hearing last month after he developed Covid-19 symptoms, to which prosecutor David Fossler decided to drop a charge of failing to answer bail.

Representing himself, Ahmed said: "I have had no opportunity to take legal advice. My lawyer did tell the court that I have been kicked out of my house and have been homeless for a while.

"I don't have a house. My life is all over the place."

Proceeding to sentence Ahmed because the case was "dragging on a bit", District Judge Pattinson decided to fine the defendant £180 and ban him from driving for a year.

He must also pay £100 in costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

The judge added that he should appeal to the Crown Court should he feel his conviction was unfair.