Man who drank and drove works van loses licence and job

Rhydian Jones, 22, was discovered to be over the drink drive limit when police spoke to him about the road traffic collision, which occurred on the B4368 near Newtown on August 9.

Welshpool Magistrates’ Court heard last week that Jones crashed the vehicle after he became distracted by the light from the mobile phone of his female passenger – who had been filming him.

Jones, of Afon Way, Newtown, pleaded guilty to drink driving on Tuesday, August 27. He also admitted taking a vehicle without the owners’ consent.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said police were called at 11pm, and Jones told them he had access to the van in work hours.

OTHER NEWS:

• Man arrested in daytime raid on large-scale cannabis farm in centre of Welshpool
• Newtown man stole garden furniture, air fryer and more from shops over 7 months
• Newtown man denies knife charge and will face trial later this year

“A video from the female showed the defendant driving," she said. "The vehicle went through a hedge, causing damage, and landed on its near side.

“A local resident assisted. The defendant told the witness not to call police as he would ‘sort it’. He walked back towards Newtown. He was later arrested and said he’d taken a corner too quick."

He had drunk three beers, then took the van to pick up a Chinese, she said.

A reading provided by Jones showed 47 micrograms of alcohol in his breath – the legal limit is 35.

Rob Hanratty, representing Jones, said he had lost his job.

“The accident was not because he was driving like a lunatic or anything," he said. "I suspect he was distracted by the young lady filming his driving with her phone."

Probation officer Julian Davies, who told the court: “Mr Jones had 3 lagers and believed he was in a fit state.

“He drove back to his house in Kerry. He had a Chinese and picked up a passenger. Then they went for a drive as it was a nice evening, and they watched the sunset.

“He says he was distracted by the glare of the phone, which led to an accident.

“He made sure the passenger and vehicle were safe. There was no fire or smoke, he went to phone the police but had no signal. He advised a witness he’d phone the police himself."

He said Jones had found a new job.

Magistrates banned Jones from driving for 12 months, and gave him a 12-month community order, with 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity days. He must pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.