A TEENAGER caught drug-driving had used benzocaine to alleviate a toothache, a court heard.

Connor Wells, of Bryn Goleu in Southsea, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 19-year-old admitted that on January 13, he drove a Mini on Sontley Road in Wrexham when the proportion of benzoylecgonine in his blood exceeded the specified limit.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 6.30pm on the day in question, police stopped the defendant.

He "appeared nervous" and after providing a positive drug swipe, was arrested and taken to Llay custody facility.

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There, Wells gave an evidential reading of 73 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine in a litre of blood - the limit being 50.

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court her client was "extremely remorseful" and had no previous convictions.

She explained: "This is an unusual case. Normally, benzoylecgonine is a breakdown product of cocaine - but that wasn't the case here.

"He had a toothache the previous week, and bought benzocaine which he used on his tooth.

"It was still in his system.

"He accepts he shouldn't have bought it."

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Ms Lewis added her client was pulled over as part of a "routine stop check," not due to his manner of driving.

The court handed down an £80 fine and ordered Wells to pay a £32 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

He was banned from driving for 12 months.