A fire service mechanic has been banned from driving for three years after he was caught drink driving for a second time.

Paul Robert Barbet, 38, of Haulfryn Way in Gwersyllt, Wrexham, appeared at North East Wales Magistrates’ Court at Mold and admitted driving with 60 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath compared to the legal limit of 35.

He was fined £486 with £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.

Prosecutor Justin Espie said that police were driving in New Road, Wrexham, on December 9 when the defendant came at speed from behind in a Ford Focus.

He was stopped by police and admitted that he had taken alcohol - and provided a positive breath test.

The prosecutor said that the defendant had a relevant previous conviction which meant that the minimum ban had to be one of three years.

Defending solicitor David Matthews said that his client was employed as a mechanic fitter with the fire and rescue service and had a young family to support.

He worked 15 miles from his home and the inevitable driving ban would cause him trouble getting to work.

The defendant worked on a shift basis.

“That is something he is going to have to overcome,” said Mr Matthews.

He had been stopped after drinking a couple of pints but he appreciated that he should not have been drinking at all, he said.

The defendant had two children aged nine and 18 months and his partner did not presently work.

He said the whole family relied on his wages.

Mr Matthews said: “He will not lose his job but obviously it could be put in jeopardy.”

Magistrates said that they had no option but to ban him from driving for three years.

They said that they were surprised that he had not taken up an offer of a drink driving rehabilitation course following the last conviction.

But they were prepared to offer him the course again which would reduce the ban by a quarter if it was successfully completed.