A POWYS man found to be nearly three times the drink drive limit when he went to pick up his ex-partner’s daughter has called his arrest a “wake-up call”.

James Paddock, 42, said he had typically been drinking two 2 litre-sized bottles of cider a day up until seeking help for his drink problem after he was arrested in Welshpool last month.

Paddock was stopped by police on Salop Road on the evening of February 19, where he was arrested following a positive roadside breath test. His reading was 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – exceeding the prescribed limit which is 35 micrograms.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving when appearing at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 22.

Paddock had been living in Trewern, near Welshpool, at the time of the offence, but has since moved back to the Telford area.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said he was stopped by PC Jones driving a Vauxhall Astra. “The officer followed the defendant’s vehicle, whose travel pattern seemed odd,” said Ms Tench.

“When he was stopped, his eyes looked glazed and a reading was positive. It was a higher order reading.”

Paddock, now of Prince Edward Crescent, Malinslee, near Telford, represented himself at the hearing and told magistrates he has been receiving counselling for his drinking.

“This was a wake-up call for me,” he said.

“I’ve recently sought help from Kaleidoscope. I moved back to Telford and am receiving counselling and help with my drinking, as I am alcohol dependent. I’ve cut down dramatically but am trying to get help.”

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Unemployed currently, Paddock said he is actively looking for work and is currently claiming benefits. He also said he would like to be given the opportunity to attend a drink drive rehabilitation course, adding: “I went on one in 2004 but I think now it would be more beneficial.”

Probation officer Julain Davies conducted a report and told magistrates that Paddock had been drinking at home on the evening of the incident before getting in his car.

“He had a call to pick up his partner’s daughter. He should have got a taxi and he regrets his actions,” said Mr Davies.

“He has recently moved back in to live with his parents after splitting up with his partner. He had a job as a security guard, but work is seasonal.

“Alcohol use been problematic since he was 20 when his marriage broke up. He was consuming two 2-litre bottles of cider a day. He has no drug issues.”

Paddock was banned from driving for two years but he can reduce this as magistrates offered him the drink drive course. In addition, he must complete a 12-month community order, including 40 hours’ unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He also has to pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.