A CHESTER man who had been visiting his ill mum at hospital day and night made the "foolish decision" to drive while more than double the limit and without a full licence.

Wayne Morris, 44, of Newhall Road, Upton, crashed the Dacia Sandero he was driving into a tree on the night of August 25.

He pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, September 14 to drink-driving and driving without a full licence or insurance.

He was fined £315 and handed a 20-month driving ban.

Prosecuting, Kerry Pepperell said it was 10.20pm when officers were called to a single-car crash where a white Dacia Sandero had hit a tree.

Officers spoke to a witness who had seen the driver and a female passenger.

Both were intoxicated, and when Morris was breath tested he blew 75 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, more than twice the legal limit of 35.

Defending, Howard Jones said: "This is a very unfortunate incident, Mr Morris was under a lot of stress at the time, his mother had lung cancer and for the previous four days his partner drove him to hospital so he could be at her bedside day and night.

"His partner drove them back and they decided to go to the pub for a drink, and he made the foolish decision to drive home.

"He said he had had about three pints, he had lost control of the car and hit a tree and came to a stop in the middle of the road.

"The defendant made admissions at the scene and has entered a prompt guilty plea.

"His mother passed away, sadly, two weeks ago. It has compounded what is a sad time for him by appearing in court."

Chair of magistrates Roy Baron said: "I am sorry for your loss but it does not excuse your behaviour. No-one was injured in the accident but that was probably by luck."

As well as the fine and driving ban, Morris must pay £85 court costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Morris was offered the chance to go on a drink-drive rehabilitation course which would reduce his ban by 20 weeks.