A MAN who drove the wrong way along the A55 and collided with a lorry has lost his licence.

Gerald Conneely, of Hollins Lane in Bury, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old admitted that on January 5 at Llay Custody facility, he failed to provide a specimen for analysis.

Justin Espie told the court that on the day of the offence, Conneely had driven the wrong way onto the A55 and collided with an articulated lorry.

In the aftermath of the collision, the lorry driver took the defendant's keys.

When in custody at Llay, he made a "deliberate refusal" to provide a sample breath for analysis.

Mr Espie said: "The defendant should consider himself fortunate the police took no further action regarding dangerous driving."

A probation officer told the court: "Mr Conneely is nervous and upset with himself.

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"He had taken the ferry from Dublin to the UK and was travelling to England for employment.

"When he was on the ferry he drank two pints.

"He says the effect of the alcohol, the fact he hadn't had much sleep and was tired and that he was lost meant he made a mistake and unfortunately went onto the A55 the wrong way."

The officer said on the subject of his failure to give a specimen, Conneely had simply "panicked" and now "regrets his actions."

"He shows full remorse and insight into how it was wrong," the officer added.

"It causes him stress and sleepless nights - being able to look back and realise how stupid he has been."

Mike Pugh, defending, gave a limited address to the court given the probation officer's detailed report.

He said: "He is genuinely remorseful for this and wishes to make an apology to the HGV driver.

"He takes these proceedings very seriously."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "This was a deliberate refusal on your part.

"It's clear that we have significant evidence of an unacceptable standard of driving.

"There is always heavy traffic on the A55.

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"And you, going in the wrong direction along it and into the path of a heavy goods vehicle, are in some respects extremely lucky to be here today."

Conneely received an 12 week custodial sentence, but it was suspended for 12 months.

He must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £85, as well as a victim surcharge of £154.

A driving ban of 30 months was imposed.