THE family of a hard-working young Powys father are likely to be the ones who suffer most after he lost his licence for drink driving.
David Bound, 21, from Rhayader, admitted one charge of drink driving when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court this week.
The court was told on Wednesday, April 10, that Bound’s partner did not drive and that the family had been to and from multiple hospitals on multiple occasions after becoming parents to twins last year.
Farm labourer Bound was stopped driving a Nissan Navara on West Street in Rhayader in the early hours of March 17, having been in the pub.
Prosecutor James Sprunks said PCs Evans and Gee spotted the defendant’s white pickup vehicle at around 1.10am on East Street.
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“They saw a white pickup pull out and drive in front of them, they illuminated their lights,” said Mr Sprunks.
“The driver was the defendant. He smelt of intoxicants and slurred his words. He said he had been drinking in the Lamb and Flag. He provided a positive roadside test and was arrested.”
He said Bound had no previous convictions.
The lower reading provided by Bound was 66 micrograms of alcohol in breath – the legal limit is 35 micrograms.
The court heard Bound was a mere few hundred yards from his house when he was pulled over.
Huw Williams, representing Bound, of Lions Courtyard, West Street, Rhayader, said his client was remorseful.
“It was Saturday night, he had worked all day on the farm. He finished work 7pm, it had been a busy week lambing,” said Mr Williams.
“The irony is his home is a five-minute walk away from where he was stopped, a few hundred yards.
“He understands he’s put himself in this position. There is an irony again in that the punishment will be against his family, as his partner doesn’t drive.
“This was clearly a one-off. I have a letter from his employer, who thinks a lot of this young man. They will work around the loss of his licence.”
Magistrates banned Bound from driving for 18 months; a ban he can reduce if he completes a drink driving rehabilitation course.
He was fined £692 and told to pay a £277 surcharge and £85 costs – making a total financial penalty of £1,054.
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