A MAN has lost his licence after police caught him driving away from a pub after drinking.

Ricky Hanson, of Bryn Y Felin in Holywell, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 35-year-old admitted one offence of drink-driving, which occurred on July 14 in Holywell.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that just after midnight on the day of the offence, police were informed about a potential drink-driver.

They monitored a vehicle parked outside the Feathers Pub in Holywell.

Before long, Hanson exited the pub, got in the car and drove off.

The police caught up at Fron Park Road, where the defendant came to a natural stop.

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He explained he'd had three pints at the pub, and provided a positive sample at the roadside.

At Llay Police Station, he provided an evidential sample of 48 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, the limit being 35.

David Matthews told the court: "Unfortunately, he won't be able to work because of the mandatory disqualification in this case.

"At the moment, he's sofa surfing and is being fed and looked after by his sister.

"He has had some quite severe mental health problems and was having a particularly difficult time on the day of the offence.

"Going forward he hopes to get back into work."

District Judge Gwyn Jones handed down a £200 fine and ordered the defendant to pay £85 costs, as ell as an £80 victim surcharge.

Hanson received a 12 month driving ban.