A court has decided not to activate a Newtown man's suspended sentence because of his health issues.

Peter Jones, 51, of Severn Square, admitted that he failed to attend an unpaid work session and a planned office appointment in October without giving acceptable excuses.

He was given a 12-week sentence suspended for 24 months in January after pleading guilty for three offences including driving while disqualified, drink driving and driving without insurance.

Robert Hanratty, defending, told Welshpool Magistrates' Court on November 15: "Mr Jones has serious health issues. He was rushed to hospital twice during the last month. Diabetes impacts all aspects of his life. His drink problem report reflects that.

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"He wants to do his best," Mr Hanratty added.

Nerys Jones, chair of the magistrates' bench, told Jones said: "We are minded as a bench to follow the probation service and allow the order to continue. The unpaid work will be extended for 12 months and end when the suspended order finishes on the 10th of January 2024. You will be fined £50 for the breach and ordered £60 costs. That's a total of £110.

"We have not activated the suspended sentence due to your health reasons and medical grounds and you have completed seven rehabilitation requirement days and 65 hours of unpaid work.

"We urge you you to continue with the order."