A DRINK-DRIVER who had a momentary loss of concentration when his phone went off while he drove crashed into a lamppost near Chester.

Josh Curtis, 30, of Yr Hen Ysgol, Betws Gwerfil Coch, Corwen, was taken to hospital as a precaution following the incident on Hermitage Road on the night of October 21, 2019.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to drink-driving when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, January 3.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said police were called to a report of a road traffic collision involving a BMW.

Curtis confirmed he had been driving at the time and he was taken to hospital as a precaution as the airbags had gone off.

He provided a blood sample which showed he had 98 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, the legal limit being 80.

Voluntarily interviewed by police, Curtis said he had finished work and had gone to the pub with his boss for "two or three pints".

He had started driving on Hermitage Road when his phone went off, causing him a temporary loss of concentration, resulting in him crashing into a lamppost.

He had one previous conviction for harassment from 2018.

Defending himself, Curtis said he was "really really sorry" for what he had done, having tried to turn over a new leaf.

He said it was a "silly mistake" and had been working in the bar industry.

Magistrates imposed a 14-month driving ban, a £350 fine, plus court costs of £85 and a £35 victim surcharge.

The driving ban could be reduced by a quarter if Curtis successfully completed a drink-drive rehabilitation course.