A DRINK-driver stopped on the A55 in North Wales was found to have a lock knife, a tazer and a knuckleduster.

But John Bloor, 41, was spared an immediate prison sentence today because of the changes he had made to his life.

Mold Crown Court was told police stopped his VW on the A55 near Northop on October 10 because it was said to be straddling the centre white lines.

He was found to have 63 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath compared to the legal limit of 35.

In a rucksack was a lock knife, a tazer and a knuckleduster.

Bloor, of Stoke-on-Trent, told how he had intended to sleep in the vehicle. He said he had the knife for work purposes.

The knuckleduster was in order to show to a friend and he was carrying the tazer for protection.

Mark Connor, defending, said his client had a drink problem but he was being assisted and his drink problem was being addressed by various agencies.

Judge Niclas Parry said he was out of control of his vehicle and when stopped the reason became clear – he was nearly twice the drink drive limit.

The judge said people who carried knives in North Wales went into custody – and he had it when he was under the influence of alcohol.

However, significantly and unusually, the stringent measures of self-help had been put in place and were ongoing.

Reports indicated he was at a critical point and all the indicators were that he might transform his life, the judge said.

Unusually therefore he had decided to suspend the inevitable prison sentence.

An eight month prison sentence was suspended for a year and he was placed on a three month curfew with rehabilitation.

He admitted drink-driving and possessing the weapons.