A JOINER was caught drink-driving after a pre-Christmas family get-together.
Matthew Wayne Owen, 33, believed he was being responsible and limited himself to three cans of lager over a period of time.
But police followed him to his home at Englefield Avenue in Connah’s Quay on December 20 and he provided a positive breath-test.
A later blood test showed he had 107 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood compared to the legal limit of 80.
Owen admitted drink-driving and was banned from driving for a year. He was also fined £200 with £105 costs.
Prosecutor Justin Espie said police followed the car because of its speed.
Three people got out of it and he provided a positive test at the roadside.
David Matthews, defending, said Owen was a self-employed joiner who fitted kitchens and a ban would seriously affect him.
He would have to rely on public transport and on friends in order to get to his jobs.
Mr Matthews said Owen had a partner of 17 years and a daughter aged nine.
“He is gutted for being in court for drink driving,” his solicitor said.
“He thought that he was behaving in a responsible way.”
Mr Matthews added: “He is over the limit, but only just.”
Owen had been driving since he was 17 and had a good driving record, he told Flintshire Magistrates Court at Mold.