A MAN who was caught driving without insurance intended to get back in his car and drive away, a court heard.

Daniel Wooton, of Plas Issa in Pen Y Cae, appeared for sentence at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 44-year-old had previously been convicted of driving without insurance, obstructing a police officer, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, possession of cannabis and possession of cocaine.

Shane Maddocks, prosecuting, told the court that officers on duty in Wrexham on February 9 spotted the defendant driving a Volkswagen Golf.

Checks showed the vehicle had a 'void' registered keeper and no insurance, which led the police to follow.

When Wooton pulled into Ruabon Services and was about to fuel up, the police spoke to him.

He admitted he had no insurance and was told the vehicle would be seized.

Not happy about that statement, Wooton got back into the car and made to close the driver door and drive off, but the police stopped him.

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The defendant resisted throughout his arrest and was found to have bags of cannabis and cocaine in his possession.

He provided a positive roadside reading for cannabis, but refused to give an evidential blood sample in custody.

A probation officer told the court: "He'd recently bought the car and was taking it to get some work done on it when he was apprehended.

"He noted that he was going to go to a party and the drugs found were for himself.

"And he claimed he shut the car door because he wanted to make a personal call to his mother.

"He originates from the Caernarfon area and at present, he's working as a roofer in the Deeside area.

"He seems to have a good work ethic.

"In terms of drugs, he seems to have been using them for about 20 years.

The Leader:

"I assess that although it could be more of a problem than he suggests, he is not motivated to address it at this time."

Wooton, who represented himself, declined to say anything further in mitigation.

The court handed down an 18 month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

He was banned from driving for 22 and must pay £114 victim surcharge, as well as £620 costs.