A MOTORIST has been banned from driving after he was seen “weaving” in the road and then “staggering” outside a McDonalds restaurant in Powys.

Osman Karakan, from Salford, said he “foolishly” decided to get behind the wheel of his BMW after getting into an argument with his partner, who lives in Powys, on August 29.

He pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 20.

Prosecutor Molly Rumsey said the 26-year-old was arrested by police at the McDonalds car park in Welshpool after they had received a call from a concerned member of the public.

“He was seen weaving in the road then parked in McDonalds, where he was seen by a member of the public to be staggering,” she said.

“Police were notified and stopped the defendant; they noticed a strong smell of alcohol and that he had glazed eyes.”

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Karakan, of Woden Street, Salford, failed a roadside breath test and later provided a reading of 67 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35 micrograms.

Acting on his behalf, Owain Jones said: “He has never been in trouble before so is greatly ashamed and sorry for his actions. He cooperated with police.

“He foolishly decided to drive after an argument with his partner, who lives in this area. I ask you to punish him at the lowest band possible and offer him a drink drive rehabilitation course.

“He works in recruitment and has recently started a new post.”

Karakan received a 17-month driving ban, but he can reduce this by 17 weeks if he successfully completes the rehabilitation course.

He was fined £350 and has to pay £85 costs and a £140 surcharge.