A TEENAGE footballer has lost his driving licence after he returned home from an away fixture and was caught by police just a mile from his house.
Jack Duggan, 18, had been dropped off in Penybont following an away game in Aberystwyth, and was pulled over by police while driving behind the minibus he’d just gotten off.
He was found to be over the limit and appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 10, where he admitted drink driving.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said Duggan, an apprentice plumber, was stopped driving a black Ford Fiesta on the A44 near Penybont – the team he plays football for.
“He was stopped and due to his demeanour officers asked him to take a breath test,” said Mr Sprunks.
“It was positive and he was arrested.”
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The lower reading recorded by Duggan was 69 micrograms of alcohol in breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
Mr Sprunks said the teen had no previous convictions.
Peter Wilcox-Jones, representing the defendant, of Upper Trewern, Llandegley, said his client is “deeply ashamed and sorry”.
“He was returning from playing football for Penybont in Aberystwyth,” said Mr Wilcox-Jones.
“He was on the team minibus, then got out a mile from home to get his car from a local garage as he needed it for work the next day.
“Ironically, he was stopped driving behind the very minibus he should have stayed on.”
Mr Wilcox-Jones said there was nothing unacceptable about Duggan’s driving and no passengers in the car.
He added: “He is heavily involved in his local community, including with the local YFC.
“He is training to be a plumber at Newtown College and has been given a scholarship at Marches Ironmongery in Llandrindod.
“He is unsure as to the future of this job with a ban. He also works on the family farm too.”
Lorna Jones, chair of the bench, told him: “It was a very silly mistake, which I hope you’ve learnt a valuable lesson from.”
Magistrates banned Duggan from driving for 18 months; he can reduce this if he completes a drink driving awareness course.
He was also fined £200 and has to pay £85 costs and an £80 surcharge.
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