DRUG-DRIVER Jack Brownless struggled to understand basic questions from police after being stopped on the A39 near Wells, Somerset.

The 39-year-old, of Hazelbury Bryan, was reported for swerving across the busy road on Monday, August 22, at around 5.45pm – and hit a wall.

Officers pulled Brownless over at the Green Ore Crossroads and found he struggled to answer their questions before failing a roadside drugs test.

Now Brownless has been disqualified from driving for five years after pleading guilty to drug-driving, as well as possession of controlled class-B drugs, ketamine and cannabis.

He was sentenced at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (December 9).

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As well as being disqualified from holding and obtaining a driving licence for 60 months, Brownless was also handed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months, as well as being made the subject of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

PC Sam Colebrook, officer in the case, said: “We received several calls from concerned members of the public after Brownless was seen driving in an erratic manner on the A39, and when we spoke to him it was clear he was heavily under the influence of drink or drugs, was slurring, and seemed confused.

“He tested positive for cannabis at the roadside and within the vehicle, several small bags of ketamine and cannabis were found, and it’s quite clear we are fortunate this incident did not end in serious injury, or worse.

“We want to remind people there is no safe way to drink and drug and drive, there is no excuse to take the risk, and we continue to urge the public to help us take dangerous drivers off the road before it’s too late, as this case demonstrates.”

Brownless struggled to answer questions when pulled over. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Brownless was arrested thanks to reports from concerned members of the public who saw a silver Mercedes B-Class swerving across the busy A39 Bristol Hill, near Wells.

Brownless struck a wall, and another driver tried to assist him, but he got back in the car and travelled towards Bristol before he stopped at the Green Ore Crossroads.

After Brownless’ arrest, officers found several small snap bags of white powder on the driver’s seat and in cup holders.

The driver’s door pocket contained a small set of scales with powder on them, and a tobacco pouch full of cannabis was found in the centre console.

People who believe someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs should call 999.