A Powys man has been banned from the roads for drink driving after crashing his van in Caersws.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard that an off-duty police officer came across Brian Rowlands’ van and debris on the road following a collision on the B4560 road on April 27.

Prosecutor Justin Espie said the 34-year-old admitted that he had drunk alcohol at the scene and he was later breathalysed which gave a reading of 54 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35mgs.

Rowlands, who was representing himself in court and pleaded guilty to drink driving, apologised for the offence and “for being so stupid”.

Magistrates disqualified Rowlands, of Dolerw, Caersws, from driving for 15 months and ordered him to pay a £500 fine.

He must also pay £50 victim surcharge and £85 court costs