A NARBERTH man appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates court on Tuesday charged with drink driving.
Richard Lloyd Thomas, aged 34, of Old Mart Ground, pleaded guilty to the offence.
Prosecutor David Weale said: “Officers were travelling along Quay Street in Cardigan and saw defendant driving the wrong way around the one way system. The police thought it was strange, and turned in front of the oncoming car and then stopped it. They noticed the man had been driving, and the defendant tested positive in a roadside test.”
According to the prosecution, the defendant had 69mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He is a man of clean character and also has a clean driving licence.
Defending, Mike Kelleher, said: “Thomas had been out earlier in the day but had gone home early. He had gone to bed at between nine and 9.30. He received a phone call from a friend who was stuck in Cardigan.
“He had believed that sufficient time had elapsed for the alcohol to have worn off, but he was unfortunately wrong. He is currently out of work and claiming ESA. He has worked as a courier in Somerset for the last ten years, and his plan was to open a similar business locally.
“But clearly now those plans have to wait because of the statutory ban. He is a candidate for the driver improvement course, which he is happy to complete.”
The magistrates said: “Taking into account your early guilty plea we are going to disqualify you from driving for 17 months. We will fine you a total of £285 including court costs.”
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