A WREXHAM drink-driver has lost his licence after police saw him 'straddling lanes and veering' in the road.

Jack Stansfield, of Gwalia Terrace in Queen Street, Ruabon, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

The 27-year-old admitted that on June 15 this year, he drove a Mercedes motor vehicle on the A483 Southbound at Ruabon when the proportion of alcohol in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 11pm on the day of the offence, Stansfield's vehicle was spotted "straddling" lanes one and two.

One a few occasions, the vehicle "veered" towards the central reservation.

When stopped, the defendant gave a positive reading for alcohol; later confirmed to be 51 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; the limit being 35.

Mr Espie told the court the defendant had a relevant previous conviction, meaning the mandatory driving ban would have to be a minimum of three years.

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Simon Paul Farnsworth, defending, told the court: "He had a few pints and a wine and had no intention to drive.

"His partner had been out herself and she is diabetic. She felt unwell and the defendant felt he'd be under the limit, so he took the decision to pick her up in town.

The Leader:

"It was raining heavily and there were puddles on the road.

"When he was pulled over, he was over the limit - marginally so. It was not a massive reading.

"He is in work, as a self-employed fire sprinkler installer."

The Magistrates banned Stansfield from driving for three years and ordered him to pay an £800 fine.

He must also pay a £320 victim surcharge and £85 costs.