A MAN caught over the drink-drive limit thought he'd been consuming non-alcoholic beer, a court heard.

Perry Mace, of Hazelwell Avenue, Burton Upon Trent, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The 38-year-old admitted that on March 1, at Wrexham, he drove a motor vehicle 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 3.20am on the day of the offence, CCTV operators directed police to the defendant's vehicle due tot he manner of his driving.

He was stopped at Croesnewydd Road and was co-operative with the police.

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A positive roadside sample was followed by an evidential reading of 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the limit being 35.

Defending himself at the hearing, Mace read a prepared statement to the court in which he explained: "I take full responsibility for my actions.

"I would never have knowingly allowed myself to drive intoxicated - I am aware of the gravity of driving under the influence."

He told the court he had volunteered himself as a "designated driver" for that night and had consumed what he believed to be non-alcoholic beer before getting behind the wheel.

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Mace asked the court for "compassion," adding he felt "genuine remorse" for the offence.

He added he would be prepared to undertake any measures the court imposed by way of punishment and rehabilitation.

The Magistrates banned Mace from driving for 17 months - but offered him the chance of reducing the ban by 17 weeks by undertaking a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

He must also pay a fine of £461, a victim surcharge of £184 and £85 costs.