AN arrest warrant has been issued for an “arrogant” drink-driving footballer who police claimed had bragged he was a millionaire.

James Hurst, 26, a full-back who has played for West Bromwich Albion and more recently for Wrexham AFC, failed to turn up for a trial yesterday.

He was convicted in his absence of driving a Ford Focus in Wrexham High Street with excess alcohol on December 17 and being drunk and disorderly.

Hurst had previously denied the offences and the prosecution at Llandudno Magistrates Court said he was on bail to appear for the trial. He was unrepresented.

Court chairman Ann Dickinson said there was “overwhelming” evidence and said: “We find the case proved beyond reasonable doubt.”

Hurst, of Somerville Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was accused of a breath-alcohol count of 60, the legal limit being 35.

PC Sarah Smith said a CCTV operator had seen the car being driven the wrong way in a one-way system before it was parked. There were two occupants.

Hurst, at first, was polite to her and said he had not drunk any alcohol because he had a match. He was allowed to turn the car around and drive off.

PC Smith said she returned to Wrexham police station but had been informed that Hurst was urinating against the wall of the Nationwide building society and was unsteady on his feet.

Hurst went into a pub and the officer went there. She then breathalysed and arrested him.

“He stated ‘I’m a millionaire, I will take the ban and pay the fine. I don’t give a f---.’

“I would describe his attitude as arrogant. He showed no remorse for what he had been arrested for,” PC Smith told the magistrates.

PC Anita Hickish said Hurst insisted ”I’m a star” and he said police could “Google” him. He allegedly told police when given his alcohol print-out: ”You can sell that.”

Prosecutor Nia Lloyd said Hurst told police he had been to a pub with a friend and watched a West Bromwich game against Manchester United but it appeared the footballer’s defence to the drink-driving charge was a claim of post-driving alcohol consumption.