Police suspected an Alness motorist of being intoxicated when he fell into their patrol car after being stopped near Evanton.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard yesterday that Damian Bigus, 28, had taken two sleeping pills some hours before getting behind the wheel.
Police were alerted by other road users who were concerned about the way he was driving his Audi on the morning of September 4 last year.
Depute Fiscal Fiona Murray said Bigus repeatedly drove towards the verges and would then swerve back as he travelled along the A9 before turning off on to a B road near Drummond Farm.
“Police noted he was slurring his words, staggering and appeared drowsy,” the fiscal said.
A roadside breath test proved negative but 16.1 grams of cannabis was found inside his vehicle. He later refused to provide a specimen of blood.
Mrs Murray added: “He told police he had taken two sleeping tablets in an unsuccessful attempt to get to sleep.”
Bigus, of Riverside Road, admitted driving while unfit through drugs, possession of cannabis and failing to provide a blood specimen.
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood fined him £1,370 and disqualified him from driving for two years.
Highland driver took two sleeping pills before getting behind the wheel
