Drink-driving doctor from Rhuddlan handed a fine and ban

Dr Soon Neoh, of Ffordd Porthdy, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday for sentence.

The 40-year-old admitted that on May 8 last year, he drove a Honda Civic on the A55 at Cearwys after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the prescribed limit.

He was found to have 59 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the limit being 35.

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Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that as officers travelled westbound on the A55 at around 2am, they were alerted to the fact that a vehicle heading along the opposite carriageway had been in a collision with the central reservation.

When that vehicle was stopped, Neoh was driving. 

After his arrest, he provided the evidential sample leading to his charge.

Abdul Ali, defending, told the court: "I am sure you would like to know why Dr Neoh appears before you today.

"He is an upstanding member of the community who has never been in court.

"He is a consultant in the NHS, specialising in cardiology.

"On this occasion he had been at a social function just after lockdown and his intention was to get a taxi home.

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"He didn't feel he'd consumed enough alcohol for it to effect his ability to drive - he was wrong."

Mr Ali said the consequences of his actions had been "far-reaching."

"He is a senior consultant," he continued.

"He has to inform the GMC and be further investigated regarding his fitness for his role.

"He has learned his lessons."

Deputy District Judge Lee Davies told the defendant: "It is a great shame you find yourself before this court.

"You were a man of good character."

Neoh was fined £900 and ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £600 costs.

He was also banned from driving for 16 months.