A DRINK-DRIVER from Deeside got behind the wheel of his friend's car and drove it to Chester, despite being disqualified and uninsured.

Andrew Randles, 25 of St Mark's Avenue, Connah's Quay, pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court to driving the VW Golf on Pepper Street on June 4 while more than twice the drink-drive limit.

He was handed a 12-week suspended prison sentence, a three-year driving ban and a 12-month community order.

His passenger Alex Butters, 31, now of Buckley, separately pleaded guilty in the same court to being drunk and disorderly in a public place and using a vehicle without third party insurance.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds told the court it was at 2.40am on June 4 when police ordered the driver of the VW Golf to pull over as it was travelling too slowly.

The car travelled for a further 80 metres on Pepper Street before pulling over at Newgate Street.

When Randles was asked to provide a breath test, Butters intervened, shouting at the police and swore at them. Police said he looked under the influence of alcohol.

The vehicle had been purchased by Butters two weeks prior but he was the only one insured to drive it.

Both men were arrested.

Butters had two previous convictions and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Magistrates fined him £300 for the lack of insurance and £100 for being drunk and disorderly, plus a £30 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

Melissa Griffiths, defending Randles, said he had pleaded guilty at the first chance and was being supported in court by his mother, father and grandfather. He had been working as a casual labourer.

Ms Griffiths said: "The circumstances were that he had been with his friend [Butters] and had been drinking.

"They subsequently made the foolish decision to drive to Chester.

"He [Randles] fully accepts it was a stupid thing to do and one which will have long-term consequences."

Randles complied with a breath test after his arrest and had 88 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, compared to the legal limit of 35.

A probation officer told the court Randles had been fully co-operative and was very candid in his interview, saying he did not know why they decided to go to Chester.

Magistrates imposed the 12-week jail term, suspended for a year, the community order with a 35-day rehabilitation course and thinking skills programme and the driving ban.

In addition, Randles must pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.