A suspected drink-driver who travelled the wrong way at 70mph along a busy dual carriageway on Good Friday before crashing into an oncoming vehicle and causing serious injury to a passenger appeared at a special court on Monday.

Magistrates at Llandudno heard that David Shaw, aged 42, of Pensarn had been “struggling” since he split from his long-term partner and was believed to have drunk half a small bottle of whiskey before setting off along the A55. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving to a passenger in another people carrier.

Andrew Slight, prosecuting, said police at 1pm had received numerous 999 calls from eyewitnesses who saw Shaw’s Hyundai driven west on the A55 eastbound carriageway between Abergele and nearby Llanddulas. Several callers reported near-misses.

There was soon a call reporting the crash in the overtaking lane, adjacent to a slip-road, involving the Hyundai and a black Seat. Extensive damage had been caused.

Mr Slight said Shaw was sitting on a verge and slurred his words. He was more than twice the alcohol limit when breathalysed at the roadside but blood results were awaited. “I don’t know how I have ended up on the wrong side of the road,” he told police.

The Seat was being driven by Peter Maguire, aged 67, with his wife Anna, 62, and daughter Fiona returning to London from Ireland, via Holyhead port. Mr Maguire had been unable to avoid the collision when confronted by the Hyundai.

Luckily Mr Maguire and his daughter had only minor injuries but Anna Maguire had a broken wrist.

Mr Slight said Shaw had driven 2.7 miles and passed an estimated 100 vehicles going in the opposite direction. “It’s through sheer good fortune nobody has been killed,” the lawyer remarked. He said there were worries about Shaw’s state of mind. Police had dealt with him previously after concerns he had taken an overdose and driven.

Court chairman Len Jones said: "Our sentencing powers are not sufficient.”

Shaw, who gave an address in South Parade, Pensarn, Abergele, who appeared in court with what appeared to be a head wound, was remanded in custody until he is sentenced at Caernarfon crown court later this month.

He declined the help of a solicitor and represented himself.

The crash had caused Easter traffic chaos.