A MAN who was spotted driving "erratically" in the early hours of the morning turned out to be more than double the alcohol limit.
Stoyan Katrandzhiev, of Barons Road, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old admitted that on March 30, he drove a VW Golf in Ruthin Road after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.
Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 1am on the day in question, Katrandzhiev was seen driving in an "erratic manner."
He was located and spoken to by police, who noticed he smelled strongly of intoxicants.
A positive roadside alcohol test resulted in his arrest.
When giving an evidential sample it revealed he had 84 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.
After hearing District Judge Ibram Hussain was minded to fine his client for the offence, defending solicitor Craig Hutchinson made limited representations to the court.
He explained the defendant is in full time employment, and would be willing to undertake a drink-drive awareness course.
The Judge told Katrandzhiev: "The police said there was some bad driving involved, which is why their attention was drawn to you.
"Your eyes were glazed and you were drunk.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Drug-driving teen had 'used benzocaine to tackle toothache,' court told
- Court: Liverpool man caught drug driving in Wrexham
- Wrexham man sentenced for sexual chat with 'young girl'
"It's crucially important when a person drives that they're in a fit state to do so.
"By driving when drunk, you present a danger to everyone including yourself."
Katrandzhiev received a £544 fine and must pay £85 costs, as well as a £216 victim surcharge.
He was banned from driving for 20 months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here