A WREXHAM man got behind the wheel after drinking and ended up in an 'accident' when he skidded "out of control," a court heard.

Paul Edwards, of Tryweryn Place, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old admitted that on October 16, at Llay Custody Unit, he failed to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 8pm on the day of the offence, police were called after a vehicle "skidded out of control" on a roundabout at Holt Road/Llan-y-Pwll, with a collision taking place.

The car in question sustained damage to the driver's side front wheel and axel. It was "not moveable."

RECOMMENDED READING:

Mr Espie explained the driver, Edwards, was detained by off-duty prison officers who were at the scene until police arrived.

Edwards, who "smelled heavily of alcohol" was heard to say: "What have I done? I can't believe it - I shouldn't have drove it."

When he was asked to carry out the breath sample procedure, he failed to provide a specimen.

Probation officer Andrew Connah told the court: "He had been out drinking and playing pool with his brother and he felt OK to drive home, so made the foolish decision to do so.

"He accepts he obviously wasn't in a fit state to drive that night.

"He understands the potential consequences of his actions and was involved in an accident - he was only glad no one else was hurt as a result of his behaviour.

"He himself was hurt; he has issues with this neck and the collision affected him as a result."

Andy Holliday, defending, explained: "He showed immediate remorse and understood he'd let everyone down, including himself.

"He knows he's going to lose his licence today and it is going to have an incredible impact on him.

"His mum recently had a stroke and he is now her main carer.

"There's clearly the aggravating fact of the accident - and he is grateful no one was hurt except for himself."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "It is clear that when you were taken to the custody suite, you were under the influence of alcohol.

The Leader:

"You deliberately, in my view, refused to provide a sample for analysis."

Edwards received a fine of £400 and must also pay £85 costs, as well as a £160 victim surcharge.

He was also banned from driving for 30 months.

"Don't drive whilst banned," The District Judge told him, "or you'll be back before this court with the option of going into custody."