A MAN who was found to be more than two-and-a-half times the alcohol limit whilst sitting in the driver's seat of his vehicle has been handed a hefty fine.

Christopher West, of Offa Street in Brymbo, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday for sentence.

The 54-year-old had previously admitted being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst above the alcohol limit.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 8pm on January 28, police were informed of concerns regarding West's wellbeing.

A search was carried out, following which he was found in Pool Road, Brymbo.

He was in the driver's seat of his vehicle, Mr Espie said - but was not seen driving at any stage, which resulted in his "in charge" offence.

His evidential reading showed 96 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the limit being 35.

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Elzbeth Kenny, defending, told the court that at the time of the offence, her client had parked his car at the location and drank some cans of cider.

He had gone there in the midst of a severe mental health crisis, she explained.

"[West] has entered a prompt guilty plea and has informed me his driving licence is clear of points," she continued.

"When the offence was committed, he'd split up with his second wife and was absolutely devastated.

"They'd been married less than 12 months."

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Ms Kenny said her client, a foundry worker, was referred to hospital by a nurse at the police station, where he was able to get help and medication.

She emphasised the offence had not resulted in any damage or injury to anyone else, and that he would lose his job if he lost his licence.

The Magistrates handed down a £490 fine and ordered West to pay an £85 victim surcharge, as well as a £196 victim surcharge.

He received 10 penalty points on his licence - and was warned that put him "right on the edge" of a disqualification should he commit any further motoring offences.