A POWYS man has received a lengthy driving ban after being convicted of drink driving for a second time in under two years.
Brian Rowlands, 36, was a few hundred yards from his partner’s home in Newtown on March 17 this year when he decided to get in his car and drive there.
He admitted drink driving, and driving without insurance, at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.
The court heard that Rowlands was banned from driving for the same offence in May 2022. A second such offence within 10 years carries a heftier sentence – and magistrates sitting on Tuesday, April 2, banned him for almost four years.
Prosecutor Helen Tench said Rowlands, of Dolerw, Trefeglwys, was stopped in a black Mini Cooper on the Vaynor housing estate in Newtown at around 1.45am.
“An officer stopped the defendant, as he had not slowed down for speed bumps and was driving close to the kerb,” said Mrs Tench.
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“He had slurred speech. This is his second like conviction within 10 years.”
The reading provided by Rowlands was 74 micrograms of alcohol in breath – the legal limit is 35.
Paul Inns, acting for Rowlands, said his client had cooperated with the police.
“He had been in Caersws with his partner for the day and then returned to Newtown (where she lives),” said Mr Inns.
“They parked, walked into town for a night out, and had intended to get a taxi later. They couldn’t get one unfortunately and as they walked past the car temptation got the better of him.
“He describes actions as silly and he is disappointed in himself.”
Mr Inns said his client is a self-employed plasterer and that a driving ban will cause him difficulty.
“He is hopeful he will be able to continue working, he will find out later today,” added Mr Inns.
“On the last occasion he was offered the drink drive rehabilitation course and accepted it, but there was then a breakdown in communication, which meant he didn’t take it, so I would ask you to offer it to him.”
Rowlands was disqualified for 40 months and was offered the drink driving course, which will reduce the ban, if completed.
He was fined £461 and told to pay a £184 surcharge and £85 costs. There was no separate penalty for driving without insurance.
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