A BUILDER, who normally walks home from the pub but on this occasion decided to drive, has been disqualified after admitting drink driving.

Glen Richard Penlington, 30, was arrested after a delivery driver spotted that he was intoxicated while delivering parcels in Knighton on November 29.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, December 16.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said: “Mr Ingram was delivering parcels in the Laurels Meadow area and went into a narrow road with cars parked and saw a vehicle come towards him, with two males in it.

“He left his car to deliver parcels and the other car then reversed in to let him out. He thought the other car had reversed into a silver vehicle and he then spoke to the driver, who he thought might be intoxicated so he contacted police.

“Police went to the defendant’s address and administered a roadside test, which proved positive. He said he’d had one beer at home, but he’d actually been to the pub.

“He was arrested and in interview said he didn’t think he’d hit the other car. He said he had drunk four or five pints in the pub and would have walked but was giving friend a lift home after playing golf. He said he was disappointed in himself.”

Mr Davies said the reading the defendant provided was 67 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35mcgs.

Acting for Penlington, of Seven Acres, Knighton, Syed Ahmed said this was his client’s maiden criminal offence and he was a respected member of the local community – handing in five references to magistrates. “He has had no criminal convictions, other than this driving offence, and is of previous good character,” said Mr Ahmed.

“He is of good standing in his local community and this was out of character. He is a recent homeowner and works as a self-employed builder. “He needs to drive to get to work across various locations and there will now be limitations on jobs he can take on. His partner lives 70 miles away and he sees this as another punishment.

“He accepts he will be banned today. He is extremely sorry for behaviour, has expressed huge embarrassment and is very remorseful. “He lives a mile away from the pub and intended to walk home. Often his parents give him a lift home or he walks or gets a taxi. “It was a Sunday so traffic was light and the distance was very short, under a mile. He does not believe he scraped the bumper of the other vehicle and this has not been pursued.”

Magistrates fined Penlington £400 fine and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £40 surcharge. He was disqualified for 18 months but can reduce this by 18 weeks if he completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.