A MOTORIST who crashed was found to be three times the drink-drive limit.

Stephen Buckley, 47, was driving a VW Passat which left the A541 at Pontblyddin near Mold, when he glanced a tree which caused it to fall over.

An off-duty police officer came across the collision on August 12, North East Wales Magistrates Court at Mold was told.

No other vehicle was involved.

A blood test showed he had 245 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood compared to the legal limit of 80.

Buckley, of Derby Road in Caergwrle, admitted drink driving and was banned from driving for 26 months.

He was placed on a 12 month community order under and must carry out 140 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 surcharge.

Solicitor Nick Cross, defending said his client, a working man of good character, was extremely worried about the proceedings.

He was a working man who was more than likely to lose his job and possibly his home as a result.

His client had been rebuilding his life after being involved with the mental health services.

He had been through a “living Hell” previously where he had been unable to leave the house.

The Mold court heard Buckley had cut down on his drinking and now only drank at weekends.

He was “extremely remorseful”, said Mr Cross.

The judge said he took into account his guilty plea and a letter from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.