A man has been fined £3,000 after he was caught behind the wheel whilst almost four times the drink-drive limit.

Robert Jones, of Rose Lane in Llong, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

The 65-year-old admitted offences of drink-driving and possession of a knife in public, both of which happened in Mynydd Isa on August 20.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court that shortly before 3pm on that day, concerns were raised about the defendant's fitness to drive.

Following a discussion about parking with another motorist, suspicions were raised that he had been drinking, which led to the police being called.

Before the police arrived however, a Traffic Wales officer took control of the situation by removing the defendant's keys.

Jones was arrested when he gave a positive roadside result for alcohol - and in custody he gave a reading of 137 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; the limit being 35.

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When he was searched, a small lock knife was found in his pocket.

In interview, Jones told officers he'd gone to the shop and then onto the skip to dump rubbish.

He confirmed he'd consumed a lot of alcohol the previous evening, as well as half a bottle of gin that morning - but denied he was an alcoholic.

Jones claimed the alcohol intake had been his way of dealing with stress whilst he dealt with a family issue.

Asked why he had been carrying a knife, he explained he was a retired farmer and groundskeeper and that he'd always carried such a blade with him during the course of his work.

He said he was "unaware" of the laws about carrying such an item.

Euros Jones, defending, told the court his client had been "fully compliant with all parties" and that he'd made "full and frank admissions" regarding his crimes.

"There were some serious family issues happening and he turned to alcohol," Mr Jones explained.

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"Since then, he's addressed these issues."

He added his client had engaged with alcohol services and was "thoroughly ashamed to be before the court." 

Mr Jones reiterated the defendant's explanation as to the reason for carrying the blade, reasoning that the situation may have fallen just short of a reasonable excuse.

District Judge Gwyn Jones handed down a £1,500 fine on each of the two offences, as well as ordering the defendant to pay a £600 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Jones was banned from driving for three years.