A WREXHAM Army Veteran's motoring offence almost saw him being made homeless as a court had to decide whether to ban him from driving.

Sion Jones, of Acton Park Way, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old admitted that on August 10, when suspected of being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the alcohol limit in Abbott Street, Wrexham, he failed when required to provide a specimen of breath for analysis.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that police carried out a wellbeing check on the defendant in the middle of the night, having spotted him "passed out" lying across the front passenger and driver seats of a van.

He "smelled intoxicated" when spoken to and gave a positive alcohol reading at the roadside.

But when arrested and taken to the police station, he refused to give a breath specimen.

He explained he didn't think he needed to, because he was living in the car.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, told the court: "The van was parked in the car park of the Cross Foxes pub.

"He works at the pub on a part-time basis and lives in the van, because he can't afford rent.

"He'd been working there the night before and had stayed at the pub to have some drinks, then gone to his van where he was fast asleep when officers arrived at 4.30am.

"Mr Jones initially provided at the roadside but then didn't see why he needed to provide again, because he wasn't intending to drive and hadn't driven.

"He understands now that that is wrong and the police were entitled to request a sample."

Ms Griffiths confirmed her client's employer, the Cross Foxes licensee, had given permission for him to park his van in the car park and when he isn't working, he usually parks in the countryside.

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She added: "He joined the Army at 16 and was in for six years, which included two tours of Afghanistan.

"If he is disqualified today, the natural effect is that he will be homeless, because he's living in his van.

"A disqualification would mean he can't insure it and so he won't have anywhere to sleep."

The court handed down a £200 fine for the offence and ordered Jones to pay an £80 victim surcharge, as well as £85 costs.

He received 10 penalty points as opposed to an immediate ban - and was warned any further motoring offences would likely result in a disqualification.