A TEENAGE agricultural contractor has been disqualified from driving for a year after he was pulled over having been drinking with friends.

Oliver Hillditch, 19, was described as someone with a “very strong work ethic” when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 23. He admitted a charge of drink driving at the hearing.

Hillditch was stopped by police on Kerry Road in Newtown on the evening of August 5, driving a Ford Fiesta.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said: “It was 10.30pm and PC Underwood began following the vehicle.

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“He signalled for it to stop and it appeared to swerve when breaking. He kept signalling for the vehicle to stop. It was driving slowly and eventually pulled over.

“The driver had a glazed look and failed to make eye contact. A roadside breath test was positive.”

Ms Tench said Hillditch had no previous convictions.

A reading provided at the police station revealed there to be 51 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of Hillditch’s breath – the legal limit is 35mcgs.

Ron Hanratty, acting for the defendant, of New Street, Bishops Castle, handed in several references for his client.

“He had been drinking earlier in the day and naively made the decision to drive,” said Mr Hanratty.

“He has a lack of appreciation of alcohol. He was very cooperative with the police. He is an agricultural contractor so this is going to cause him major problems.

“He had a girlfriend and she is heavily dependent on his income.”

In addition to a 12-month ban, Hillditch was fined £400 and he must pay a £160 surcharge and £85 costs. He can reduce his ban by 25 per cent if he successfully completes a drink drive rehabilitation course.