An HGV driver who was almost four times over the drink drive limit has been given a nine-month prison sentence.
Iurie Istrati, of no fixed abode, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday 29 May where he admitted to dangerous and drink driving.
The 56-year-old came to the attention of the police after a concerned member of the public reported an HGV swerving between lanes and the edge of the carriageway on the A483 at Gresford shortly before 1pm on 28 May.
Despite attempts by officers to pull the vehicle over, Istrati continued driving, narrowly avoiding a collision with the roadside barrier.
Fearing a serious collision, officers overtook Istrati on the A5 near Halton and gradually brought the HGV to a stop.
At Llay custody Istrati provided a breath specimen of 127 micrograms of alcohol, almost four times over the legal limit of 35.
The driver was also disqualified from driving for three years and four months, after which he would be required to pass an extended driving test to renew his licence.
PC Ryan Sheppard said: “Istrati’s dangerous driving clearly could have caused a serious or fatal collision if he was not stopped.
“He showed blatant disregard for the safety of members of the public and the law.
“I thank the concerned driver who called our control room to alert us to this incident.
“I would like to thank the individual who phoned us with their concerns regarding the behaviour they witnessed – although we will never know, they have potentially saved lives.”
