A NEW Quay drink-driver who crashed his car into a tree told police officers he had crashed deliberately in an attempt to kill himself.

Stephen Haydn Hartley, of 7 Hill Street, admitted drink-driving on 10 December when he crashed into a tree on the B4342 at Gilfachreda while more than twice over the limit.

Magistrates heard that 31-year-old Hartley, who needed hospital treatment following the crash, had told police officers that he had crashed the car deliberately as he was struggling with family issues, including ill health.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said police were called by a witness who had been woken up in the early hours of the morning by a loud bang. He went outside and saw Hartley’s car crashed into a tree with Hartley getting out and staggering and looking dazed.

When Hartley spoke to officers he admitted that he had been drinking and had crashed deliberately.

A blood sample taken from Hartley showed he had 171 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Defence solicitor Janem Jones said the “particularly sad case” had come at a time when Hartley was struggling to cope with his parents suffering ill health and that he was now receiving help.

She said Hartley’s “mind was elsewhere” at the time of the incident and that he was “mortified” at the incident after never having been in trouble.

Hartley had been drinking heavily at the time, but Ms Jones said he was now drinking much less with assistance from agencies.

Hartley was banned from driving for 20 months and will pay a fine of £120 and costs of £115.