A TEENAGER has lost his licence after he was caught drink-driving in the early hours of the morning.

Cody Smith, of Church Street in Church, Accrington, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 18-year-old admitted that on August 15 at Evans Street in Flint, he drove a Skoda Fabia after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 2am on the day of the offence, police were alerted to a suspected drink-driver.

They spotted and intercepted the vehicle, which was being driven by Smith.

READ MORE: Rhos man in court after stealing food from Spar store

He provided an evidential sample of 59 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; the limit being 35.

David Matthews, defending, told the court: "He works as an engineering apprentice, a position he has recently gotten into, and lives in a small village near Accrington.

"He will keep his position, by using public transport or relying on friends.

"There was no evidence of heavy [driving] impairment - officers had been alerted to the fact he potentially had a drink before driving."

Mr Matthews said his client "cooperated at the roadside and at the police station."

The Leader:

He added the inevitable driving ban would come as a "great blow" at the beginning of his work career, but acknowledged that it would "serve as a lesson to him."

Smith received a £190 fine and was ordered to pay a £76 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

He received a 16 month ban, but was offered the opportunity of reducing that by 16 weeks if he completes a drink-drive course before a date set by the court.