A MAN had no idea he was still over the drug-drive limit five days after "stupidly" taking cocaine at a party, a court heard.

Michael Woosnam, of Cae Thorley in Rhyl, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon.

The 41-year-old admitted one offence of drug-driving, and one of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

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Prosecutor Shane Maddocks told the court that on April 17 this year, police monitoring traffic around the area of the Posthouse Roundabout had cause to stop the defendant's vehicle.

When drug swiped, he provided a positive reading for cocaine and was subsequently taken into custody.

He later provided an evidential reading of 73 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine (a cocaine breakdown product also referred to as BZE) - the limit being 50.

Further checks confirmed the defendant's licence was not valid.

Mr Maddocks told the court the defendant had 15 previous convictions for 26 offences, many of which related to drugs and motoring offences.

Euros Jones, defending, told the court his client believed his licence was valid, adding: "April 17 was a Wednesday.

"He'd been to a party on the Saturday with a friend and someone offered him cocaine.

"He stupidly took it and five days later was still over the limit for BZE.

"He was shocked because he wouldn't have imagined he'd still be over the limit then."

Mr Jones said his client would be significantly impacted by the inevitable driving ban coming his way.

He continued: "He is a cleaner who drives around various hospitals and care homes and there may be a possibility of continued employment if someone else drives, but the likelihood is he will lose his job."

The Magistrates fined Woosnam £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs, as well as a £48 victim surcharge.

He was banned from driving for 36 months.