A motorist who refused an alcohol test after his car smashed into a lamppost at Colwyn Bay had no memory of the offence, a court heard.

Raymond Hawksey, aged 50, of Greenfield Road, Colwyn Bay, had a number of health issues and wasn’t meant to drink when taking medication, his solicitor Simon Sargent told magistrates at Llandudno.

He was remorseful but had a recent conviction for an identical offence, the lawyer added.

Hawksey admitted failing to provide a specimen at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

An 18 weeks suspended jail term was imposed and a three-year ban. He has to pay £222 costs.

The court chairwoman said he was already on a community order to address his drinking.