A Chester-based barrister specialising in family law, seen speeding in his Mercedes on the A55 in North Wales, was found to be more than twice the drink drive limit.

Defendant David Blythin told magistrates he had made a 'foolish decision'.

At Flintshire magistrates’ court at Mold yesterday (December 1), Blythin, 54, of Rose Hill Street in Conwy, pleaded guilty to driving on the A55 near Caerwys on November 17 with 76 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath compared to the legal limit of 35.

He was fined £760 with £85 costs and a £76 surcharge – and was banned from driving for 18 months.

The ban will be reduced by four and a half months if he completes a drink driver’s course.

Prosecutor Rhian Jackson told the court that police saw him speeding, he was stopped and he provided a positive breathtest.

No action was being taken over the speeding in the circumstances, she explained.

Blythin represented himself and said that for the last 15 to 20 years he had driven an average of 25,000 miles, mainly in North Wales, in connection with his work.

Two weeks ago he made a foolish decision and now had to face the consequences, he said.