A BARBER said he drove "erratically" because he was looking for his lighter – and was then caught with cannabis in his trousers when officers searched him.

Fraidoon Najafi claimed to have been searching for his lighter in his car when he was pulled over by officers after bashing into pavements and knocking into kerbs while driving along Northam Road, Southampton.

As he got out of his vehicle the 20-year-old was described as being “distracted” and “in shock” before he failed a co-ordination test at the side of the road.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard Najafi was taken back to Southampton Central Police Station, where he failed to provide a specimen for testing.

Trainee barber Najafi, of Chafen Road, Southampton, was described by prosecutor Graham Heath as “driving erratically” and when searched by officers had cannabis in his trousers.

He said: “He was interviewed and said he had been driving up and down Shirley Road trying to find his lighter.

“One can only assume he meant inside his car.

“He told them he had become nervous and scared after he had been arrested.”

The court heard that the University of Southampton first-year student had originally said he would carry out a test but “panicked” and made an impulsive decision to then opt against taking it.

A spokeswoman for the probation service told the court “he had brought shame on his family”.

Najafi pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and was given a 12-month community order, with the requirement to carry out 40 hours of unpaid work.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £80 victim surcharge and was banned from driving for 17 months.

No drugs charges were made against him.