Powys carpenter banned for 17 months over driving offence

Barry Evans, aged 48, and from Llangadfan, near Llanfair Caereinion, was disqualified from driving after he pleaded guilty to the offence which took place in Brecon on February 10, Welshpool Magistrates' Court was told last week.

Evans, of Glan y Morfa, was also find £450 instead of being handed a community order after the  magistrates felt that because he was "just over the cusp", a fine would be "more fitting".

Prosecutor Helen Tench said two police officers found Evans lying on the floor at his home in relation to another matter that he had allegedly been drinking beer and wine and had driven off.

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While at the police station, Evans didn't engage with the procedure, telling officers that he did not agree that he should give a sample of breath.

Robert Hanratty, acting on behalf of Evans, told the court that his client didn't deny having a drink on the day of the offence.

"He had an argument with a male adult, and he decided to leave the location and drive to where he was found," he said.

"He was lying on the floor, not as a consequence of alcohol, but he was feeling very upset of the situation that had arisen and believes he may have consumed further alcohol.

"Police have no information about where and when he drove.

"He was in a negative mind, and he was upset."

Mr Hanratty added: "He is a one-man band with a van that has all his tools. He is expected to take a hit in income. This is going to cause a lot of hardship for him and his family."

Evans' ban will be reduced by 17 weeks if he completes a drink-driving awareness course by February 14 next year.

He was also ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £180 victim surcharge.