A lorry driver from Parc Hafod, Four Crosses, has been disqualified from driving for two years after admitting a drink‑driving offence at Chester Magistrates’ Court.
Offence and court findings
Robert Edwards, aged 40, pleaded guilty to one charge of drink‑driving following an incident on 19 June, when he was stopped by officers on Wrexham Road because of what was described as "poor lane discipline". A subsequent breath‑test gave a result of 94 micrograms per 100 millilitres of blood — roughly 2.6 times the legal limit.
Mitigation and personal circumstances
In mitigation, Edwards’ solicitor told the court he had shown "immense remorse" and entered an immediate guilty plea. The lawyer said Edwards is a lorry driver who had previously driven long distances without incident and held a clean licence. The court heard he had recently undergone a stomach operation and had been eating very little in the run‑up to the offence.
“He only had a couple of beers across a number of hours meaning he mistakenly thought he could drive,”
The solicitor added that Edwards is not a regular drinker, has lost his job after informing his employer of the conviction, and lives in an isolated area with limited public transport. She said he is seeking accommodation in a more built‑up area to improve his chances of finding work. The bench accepted references provided on his behalf and permitted him to undertake a drink‑driving rehabilitation course to reduce the length of the disqualification.
Sentence and penalties
Magistrates handed down the following sanctions, noting they were constrained by sentencing guidelines despite acknowledging the offence’s impact on Edwards:
- Driving disqualification: two years, reducible by 24 weeks if a rehabilitation course is completed by 3 December 2027
- Fine: £200
- Surcharge: £80
- Prosecution costs: £85
| Penalty | Amount / detail |
|---|---|
| Disqualification | 2 years (reducible by 24 weeks with course) |
| Fine | £200 |
| Surcharge | £80 |
| Prosecution costs | £85 |
Local implications
The case highlights practical challenges for residents of rural Powys who rely on driving for work. The court was told Edwards had been employed in the haulage industry across his adult life and has lost that role pending the outcome of the ban. Magistrates commented: "Obviously this has had a catastrophic impact on you, but we are bound by guidelines. We will give you a financial penalty, but it is your job now to find yourself some work."
For other local drivers, the sentence serves as a reminder of the strict drink‑drive limits and potential consequences, including loss of livelihood. The option to reduce the ban by completing a rehabilitation course is available but subject to a deadline and completion conditions set by the court.
Further coverage will follow should there be appeals or additional reporting from local authorities or Edwards’ employer.
