A man who was more than eight times the drug-drive limit when he was caught by police has lost his licence.

Jason Ward, of Brynford Hill in Milwr, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 52-year-old admitted that on January 23, on the B5123 at Halkyn, he drove a motor vehicle when the proportion of cannabis in his blood exceeded the specified limit.

He also admitted that on that occasion, he exceeded the speed limit.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that at around 10.30pm on the day of the offence, police officers travelling in the direction of Halkyn spotted the defendant's vehicle travelling in excess of the 30mph speed limit.

READ MORE: Police urge struggling residents to get help instead of stealing

They stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Jason Ward.

Ms Jackson said officers noted a smell of cannabis coming from the defendant and conducted a drug test - which confirmed the presence of cannabis.

When he was tested at the police station, the defendant was found to have 17.2 microgrammes of cannabis per litre of blood - the limit being 2.

Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court: "Mr Ward is a man of previous good character and he is thoroughly ashamed of himself.

"Regarding this evening, his sister was in distress having a mental health breakdown.

"He wouldn't have driven at all if it wasn't for the phone call (from her)."

The Leader:

Ms Lewis said his sister's difficulties on the night "snowballed" together with other stresses - resulting in the offence.

Deputy District Judge Lee Davies handed down a £450 fine for the drug driving, and no separate penalty for the speeding.

Ward was banned from driving for 12 months and must pay £85 costs, as well as a £180 victim surcharge.