A DISQUALIFIED motorist found to be behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs claimed in court that he was addicted to driving.

Thomas Dale Boyes, 27, of Well Street in Holywell, appeared in court at Mold where he admitted driving a Corsa car while disqualified on the B5123 on June 23 when he had 88 milligrammes of BZE, a derivative of cocaine, in his blood compared to the legal limit of 50.

Interviewed, he admitted he had bought a car while disqualified from driving and told officers he was addicted to driving like addicts were addicted to drugs.

He said he was sorry for what he had done.

Probation officer Tracey Flavell said at North East Wales Magistrates Court that Boyes had explained to her that his need to drive was very similar to the needs of addicted drug users.

But he knew he had to make choices over his behaviour and that if he continued to offend then the periods of disqualification would simply get longer.

Boyes was banned from driving for a year, placed on a 12 month community order with 20 days rehabilitation and an eight week curfew to remain indoors between 7pm and 7am.

Boyes was also fined £120 with £85 costs and an £85 surcharge after he also admitted driving without insurance.

Magistrates heard that when stopped he provided false details but then co-operated and gave the correct details.