A Llanbadarn Fawr man was found with MDMA in his system after a police officer saw his car veering across a road.

Philip Morley Scatcherd, 39, pleaded guilty to driving with a proportion of MDMA over the specified limit when he was stopped on the A487 at Rhydyfelin on Boxing Day last year.

Kevin Challinor, prosecuting, said that Scatcherd, of 12 Cefn Esgair, was seen driving toward Aberystwyth on the A487 at around 7pm, with a police officer following behind Scatcherd’s car.

Mr Challinor said the officer saw Scatcherd’s car veering across the carriageway, crossing the central line at one point.

The officer stopped Scatcherd who seemed to be stumbling when he got out of the car, but while he passed an alcohol breath test, Scatcherd failed a drug swipe test.

A blood test showed he had no less than 75 microgrammes of MDMA in 100 millilitres of blood, with the specified limit being 10.

Defence solicitor Alison Mathias said Scatcherd had been going through a difficult period at the time with personal issues and had been taking medication for a back problem and anxiety.

She said that he was feeling “very low” and had bought the MDMA tablets through the internet, which he now regretted.

Ms Mathias said that things had improved for Scatcherd lately and added: “He is deeply remorseful and deeply regrets his actions.”

Scatcherd was banned from driving for 12 months.

He was also fined £140 and will pay costs of £115.