A FLINTSHIRE food plant worker was found 'asleep' in his car after drinking seven cans of lager, a court heard.

Tomasz Kapys, of Nelson Street in Shotton, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The 62-year-old admitted that on June 22 he was in charge of a vehicle in Nelson Street whilst unfit through drink.

Deanne McGinty, prosecuting, told the court that on the evening of the offence, a member of the public contacted the police stating a male was spotted in the driver's seat of a Vauxhall vehicle with a can of beer in his hand.

Officers attended the scene and found Kapys, who appeared to be asleep, behind the wheel.

The engine was not on but the keys were in the ignition, and there was a can of lager in the driver's cup holder.

When woken, he seemed dazed and confused.

There was a strong smell of intoxicants in the vehicle and Kapys' eyes appeared glazed.

He identified himself and was compliant with the police.

A breath test showed him to be over the drink-drive limit.

During his interview he said the reason he'd been in the car was that his battery was "somewhat in question" and he was getting it charged to go to work the next morning.

He admitted he had consumed seven cans of lager.

Gary Harvey, defending, said: "He tells me he has been in the country for six months and works in the Morrisons food processing plant in Deeside.

"He was concerned about getting the vehicle started for the early shift so he was making sure it would turn over.

"He is fortunate to be charged with this offence - the police must have been content with his explanation that he wasn't going to drive the vehicle at the time."

Penny Rodgers, chair of the Magistrates, handed down a £216 fine and ordered Kapys to pay £85 costs as well as a £34 victim surcharge.

His license was endorsed with 10 points.