A MAN from Wrexham who offered to drive his friends home on New Year’s Eve has been banned from driving for three-and-a-half years.

Daniel Owen, 24, of Pont Yr Afon, Penycae, admitted drink driving on December 31and failing to surrender to court bail on January 15.

North East Wales Magistrates Court heard his Audi was followed by police and he was stopped in Pentre Bychan where his alcohol level was found to be at 89mg in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Owen’s solicitor Steven Edwards, told the court: “He had been with a group of friends and he was the driver.

"He made the decision to have a few drinks and leave the car in town, but he was persuaded by one of his more vocal friends that they needed a lift.

“He should have known better.”

As well as the driving ban Owen was fined £400 and told to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £35.

He was offered the drink-drive course which would reduce his ban by 10-and-a-half months.