A drink-driver who was seen 'staggering' to his car and then setting off in it has lost his licence.

Nathan Powell, of Heol Y Wal in Bradley, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old had previously admitted that on February 17, he drove a Nissan motor vehicle in Third Avenue, Gwersyllt, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the specified limit.

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Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that police were informed about a man who was seen "staggering" in the street before getting into a vehicle and driving off.

Officers located the man, who turned out to be the defendant.

He told them: "I drove here to drop my friend off."

Powell initially denied the offence, but then changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.

He was found to have 50 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the limit being 35.

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Emma Simoes, defending, told the court her client's initial not guilty plea had been based on the evidence available - but once CCTV of him entering the vehicle and driving emerged, she'd advised him to change his plea.

She said: "I've known this gentleman a number of years.

The Leader:

"He really wants to put this chapter behind him and move on with his life."

Ms Simoes said Powell had at times "leaned on alcohol as a crutch," but that he'd since sought help.

The defendant received a £216 fine and must pay an £84 victim surcharge, as well as a £150 contribution to prosecution costs.

He was banned from driving for three years.