A DRINK driver crashed into off-duty police officer’s car, failed to stop, and later mounted a kerb and crashed again – this time into a street light.

Christopher Shone, 32, was found to be more than three times the drink drive limit with 117 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of  breath compared to the legal limit of 35mgs.

Shone, formerly of Llwyni Drive, Connah’s Quay, but now living at a hostel in Holywell, admitted drink driving at Wepre Lane, Connah’s Quay, on November 15 when he appeared before Flintshire Magistrates’ Court in Mold yesterday.

Sentencing was adjourned and an interim driving ban was imposed.

Matthew Ellis, prosecuting, said an off-duty police officer was driving home from five-a-side football match from Northop Hall towards Ewloe and as he approached a mini- roundabout, a Citroen car driven by Shone collided with his vehicle.

The driver made no attempt to stop but continued down a hill in the direction of Northop Hall.

Mr Ellis said the officer turned his vehicle around and followed, flashed his lights repeatedly and gestured, but got no response.

Shone appeared oblivious to his presence and he turned right into Wepre Lane but had to stop because of the volume of traffic.

The officer was able to approach the car, opened the door and heard loud music coming from the vehicle.

Shone was smoking and did not appear to be aware that the door had been opened until the officer shouted at him: “Have you been drinking?”

Shone turned his head towards him, his eyes were heavily glazed, and he did not respond.

He then pulled away and continued up Wepre Lane.

Mr Ellis said Shone indicated he was going to turn into the car park of The Wepre public house but then accelerated away.

The officer had alerted colleagues and Shone reached 60 mph before he lost control of his car, mounted a pavement and hit a street light.

Chris Jessie, defending, said according to the guidelines such an offence brushed the custodial band.

It was clear Shone had problems and a letter from his father helped explain his current situation. Shone had lost his job and had no income at the moment.

His relationship with his long term partner had broken down and he had been asked to leave her house, and was now living in a hostel.

Mr Jessie suggested a full report from the probation service would be needed before sentence.

Magistrates said it was a very high alcohol reading. He had been involved in two accidents, one with a car and one with a lamp-post. It was a serious matter and they could not rule out custody, but there were health matters to be investigated in the meantime.

Shone will be sentenced before Christmas.