A BANNED driver seen riding an electric motorbike through a Powys town was in possession of two bottles of red wine and found to be more than twice the drink drive limit.

Adrian Emerys Lloyd was spotted by members of the public riding around Newtown on the motorcycle on June 14 while swigging from what looked like a bottle of wine or spirits.

The 57-year-old – who was disqualified for five years following a 2019 drink driving conviction – told magistrates this week he was unaware his ban prevented him from using an electric motorcycle. He said he believed it was classed as an electric bike, but it was pointed out to him that the Horwin CR6 he owns is classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle due to the speeds it can reach.

Police were called by witnesses and Lloyd, of Pen y Bryn, Crossgates, near Llandrindod Wells, was arrested after providing a positive roadside breath test for alcohol which was recorded as 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres – the limit is 35mcgs.

Lloyd pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving while disqualified at Llandrindod Magistrates Court on Wednesday, August 4, as well as a third charge of driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said the incident occurred in the Back Lane area of Newtown just after 6.30pm on June 14.

“On the day, members of the public reported to police that they’d seen a motorcycle driven by the Back Lane car park; they thought the rider was drinking from a bottle of wine or spirits,” said Mr Challinor.

“It was 6.34pm. CCTV footage showed a motorcycle being driven through a car park, stopping, then the rider driving towards a children’s play area, along a footpath. He was then spotted in the Park Lane area by the police station, where officers stopped the defendant and formed the opinion he’d been drinking; a breath test was positive.

“He was found in possession of two bottles of red wine; one was almost empty, the second was half full. He had a new keeper registration slip from the DVLA relating to the vehicle.

“He was disqualified from driving from July 2019 for drink driving, receiving a five-year ban. The vehicle he was driving requires insurance and tax like a normal vehicle.”

Mr Challinor added: “The vehicle the defendant was riding is what’s known as a powered transporter, a scooter powered by electric motor.

“It has a throttle like a motorbike but does not have the assistance of pedals. They are separate from e-bikes, which are governed by a separate regime. An e-bike is a cycle, powered by pedals, but has the assistance of a motor up to a certain wattage. The motor stops at 15.5mph. The machine the defendant was riding is totally different.”

Owain Jones, representing Lloyd, said his client had misunderstood certain elements of the law.

“This shows the defendant had lower culpability, he clearly believed this was an e-bike and he was allowed to drive it as you would a push bike,” said Mr Jones.

“His previous convictions make the case more serious.”

Mr Jones said Lloyd has been in contact with drug and alcohol charity Kaleidoscope.

“They are thinking of sending him to rehab, which is an encouraging sign,” added Mr Jones.

Magistrates ordered a report and probation officer Jade Price said: “Mr Lloyd was unaware his actions were illegal.

“He has significant difficulties with alcohol and is dependant on it. It is a coping mechanism for his physical ailments, which is Ramsay Hunt syndrome [which can cause facial palsy, tinnitus and hearing loss].

“He previously attended a detox over Christmas but he has returned to drinking. He would like to stop but this needs to be done in a healthcare setting. He has indicated a willingness to comply.”

Magistrates handed Lloyd a 40-month driving ban in addition to the three years he still has left on his current disqualification. In total this means that Lloyd cannot drive for another six years and four months. They ordered no separate penalty for driving without insurance.

He must also comply with a 12-month community order, which will include 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was also fined £120 fine and must pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.

On leaving the dock, Lloyd told magistrates: “I understand implicitly. I thought you were going to send me down.”